Recipe Sifter

Krestianskiy zavtrak is a hearty Russian peasant breakfast: pumpernickel croutons crisped in butter, layered with bacon, kielbasa, and onions, then topped with eggs cooked until the yolks stay just runny.

Sautéed Brussels sprouts with caraway and lemon shred sprouts thin, then quick-cook with onion, butter, fragrant caraway seeds, and bright lemon. A 20-minute side dish that converts sprout skeptics.

Lencsefozelek is a traditional Hungarian buttered lentil dish simmered with carrot, cloves, and parsley, then finished with rich melted butter. Serves 6 and pairs beautifully with sausages or game.

Three mini cream puff fillings: smoked salmon mousse, curried caramelized onions, and a crab-cream cheese spread with red peppers. Ready to pipe into pate a choux for elegant hors d'oeuvres.

Savory smoked salmon and dill waffles with chopped Nova Scotia salmon, fresh dill, and onion folded into the batter. Topped with cream cheese and scallions or sour cream and salmon caviar for brunch.

Always a favorite for our family and great when company is coming. The chicken remains moist and the broccoli perfectly tender-crisp and everyone loves the cheesy sauce. Using a bechamel sauce instead of cream keeps it light.

Bay scallops poached in white wine with a bouquet garni, then draped in a velvety Dijon mustard and butter sauce with capers. A refined French classic from the Savoie region.

Russian salmon coulibiac: flaked salmon, rice, mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, and dill wrapped in flaky puff pastry. A showstopper main course with deep Russian roots.

Oyster and brie soup, a luxurious New Orleans-style chowder with plump oysters, melted Brie cheese, and a champagne-sherry finish. Restaurant-elegant starter for celebration dinners.

Homemade chicken pie with a rich thyme-and-nutmeg roux filling loaded with carrots, potatoes, and celery, topped with golden cheddar buttermilk biscuits. From-scratch comfort.

Pan-browned whole trout on a bed of mushroom-ham stuffing, draped in a foaming Roquefort and Pernod butter sauce. A classic French fish dish for a special occasion.

Carrot soup with coriander purees sweet carrots and potato in chicken broth, finished with milk and a splash of sherry. Topped with sour cream and cilantro for a vibrant orange starter.

Miniature pumpkin soup served in hollowed roasted pumpkin shells with sage, onion, and Parmesan. Dramatic individual-portion fall starter that doubles as edible tableware.

Baked fish with a quick flavourful confit of two kinds of tomatoes and citrus.

Cajun seafood dirty rice loaded with shrimp, lump crab, homemade shrimp stock, and the holy trinity. Spiced with cayenne and thyme for that real Louisiana bayou flavor.

Texas BBQ beef brisket: seven pounds of brisket smoked low and slow with paprika rub and wood chips, finished with a tangy homemade sauce built from the pan drippings.