Recipe Sifter

Classic Italian lasagna al forno with homemade tomato sauce, bechamel, ricotta, and mozzarella. A three-sauce layered lasagna with red wine in the tomato sauce and nutmeg in the bechamel.

A straight up French Bechamel sauce from Woman's Day magazine.

Cajun-style fish seared in a fiery pecan butter sauce with three kinds of pepper, garlic, and hot sauce. Inspired by K-Paul's in New Orleans, this works best with firm fish like swordfish, tuna, or sturgeon.

Shell-on shrimp stuffed with herb-loaded Creole compound butter made from garlic, shallots, oregano, thyme, and three peppers, then grilled until pink and sizzling. New Orleans flavor in 30 minutes.

Cajun shepherd's pie with a spicy beef and pork meatloaf base, julienned zucchini and squash, and creamy buttery mashed potatoes browned on top. Louisiana comfort food at its finest.

Scallops Florentine with bay scallops baked in a creamy spinach-Parmesan sauce with pasta shells and nutmeg. A rich seafood pasta bake ready in under an hour.

Salmon with basil cream sauce: pan-seared fillets finished in a silky white wine, shallot, and fresh basil cream reduction. An elegant bistro main course in under 40 minutes.

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.

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 mincemeat with raisins, currants, apples, almonds, candied peel, and brandy. No suet needed. Ground twice, baked, and aged for rich, spiced holiday filling.

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.

Restaurant-style meatloaf with beef and sausage baked in a water bath for a silky, custard-like texture. Seasoned with cumin, nutmeg, three peppers, and sauteed vegetables throughout.

French-style pork medallions braised in a classic brown sauce with mustard butter, capers and a bouquet garni. Restaurant-technique dinner served with glazed turnips and potatoes.

Paneed veal fried golden in seasoned bread crumbs served over fettuccine in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with cayenne. A Cajun-Italian restaurant classic made at home.

Habanero chicken jerktoufee blends Cajun etouffee with Caribbean jerk spices. Chicken breast in a creamy roux-thickened sauce with tasso, habanero, and jalapeno, served over cornbread.

Salmon pate made with poached fresh salmon and smoked salmon, blended with butter, dill, and sour cream. Sealed with clarified butter for an elegant make-ahead appetizer.