Recipe Sifter

Very savory and sophisticated, especially for people who need some changes from ordinary pizza. Big hit.

Roasted eggplant and yogurt spread, garlic-studded and perfumed with thyme and oregano, blended creamy with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. A tangy, herby Mediterranean dip for pita, crackers, or toasted bread.

Meatloaf Bourguignon stuffed with cheddar cheese, made with beef and pork seasoned with red wine, Dijon mustard, herbs, walnuts, and teriyaki sauce. French-inspired comfort food.

Gluten-free red beans and rice, New Orleans style, with ham, the holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, plus garlic and crushed red chili. Hearty Cajun comfort over brown rice.

Pan-roasted rabbit marinated two days in brandy, red wine, juniper berries, and fresh herbs, then braised with chicken stock and served over wilted spinach and beet greens. A classic French farmhouse dish.

Greek marinated vegetable salad with broiled eggplant, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms in a lemon-herb olive oil dressing with oregano and marjoram.

Pan-seared pork tenderloin medallions in a Riesling wine sauce with green peppercorns, raisins, balsamic vinegar, and toasted pine nuts. Restaurant-quality in 40 minutes.

Spicy beef carbonade braises sirloin or stewing beef in red wine and beef stock with bacon, garlic, chili powder and a hit of habanero. A Belgian-meets-Tex-Mex riff on the classic carbonade flamande.

Louisiana shrimp simmered in spicy beer broth with garlic, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. Peel-and-eat heaven, served hot or chilled with lemon wedges. Cajun shrimp boil for two.

Mama's chicken cacciatore: paprika-dusted chicken browned in olive oil, then braised in dry Marsala with crushed plum tomatoes, carrots, celery, and peppers. Italian comfort food the way Madre made it.

A lighter vegetarian lasagna with homemade veggie-red wine tomato sauce, ricotta, fresh spinach, and nonfat mozzarella. Ovo-lacto friendly and packed with vegetables in every layer.

Creamy white beans bound with garlicky spinach puree and soft bread crumbs, seasoned with oregano and thyme. A hearty, plant-based side dish with earthy flavor.

Vegan split pea soup: green split peas simmered with celery, carrot, onion, potato, and herbs into a thick, hearty bowl finished with frozen sweet peas and a splash of tamari. No ham needed.

Turkey meatloaf with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and egg whites instead of whole eggs. Sauteed aromatics cooked into the mix give this lighter meatloaf deep, savory flavor.

Lobster or shrimp fra diavolo in a spicy tomato sauce with red wine, hot peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs, tossed with pasta. Italian-American seafood at its boldest.

Spicy Spam kabobs grilled with pineapple chunks wrapped in snow peas and red bell pepper, marinated in a lemon-thyme-oregano sauce with red pepper flakes. Served over rice for a fun, retro cookout meal.