Recipe Sifter

Almond crisps topped with amaretto-glazed slivered almonds in a flower pattern. Buttery press cookies with amaretto in both the dough and the topping for a sophisticated double almond flavor.

Porcini mushroom crostini with shiitake, cream, garlic, and Asiago cheese broiled on Italian toast. A rich, earthy Italian appetizer with deep mushroom flavor from dried and fresh fungi.

Braised escarole with caramelized apples, shallots, and toasted pecans in a cider vinegar pan sauce. A bitter-sweet fall side dish that pairs beautifully with pork, duck, or roast chicken.

Baked peaches from the Piedmont filled with crushed amaretti cookies, peach puree, sugar, and egg yolk. A classic Northern Italian summer dessert that's elegant and simple.

Banana date butter blended from softened dates, ripe banana, orange juice, and a touch of butter. A naturally sweet spread for waffles, English muffins, and toast.

Silky double-boiler polenta topped with a melting slice of tangy Gorgonzola and a swirl of butter. This elegant Italian side dish is simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties.

Classic four-ingredient shortbread cookies made with butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Rubbed by hand into a crumbly dough, rolled thin, and baked golden in just 10 minutes.

Skillet garlic croutons toasted in butter with thyme. Homemade croutons with real garlic flavor in 15 minutes, far better than anything from a box.

Lamb rib chops broiled under a rosemary-garlic quince jelly glaze. A 15-minute dinner-party main with a sweet-savory lacquer that caramelizes under the broiler.

Salzburger Nockerln: Austrian meringue souffle baked into three fluffy peaks over a pool of butter and jelly. A centuries-old Salzburg dessert meant to be eaten the moment it leaves the oven.

A perfect dessert in summer and everyone loves it.

Dried tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container for a very long time and should be plumped in a little warm water before using.

A simple all-butter pastry dough made by hand: flour and cold butter rubbed together, bound with a little water, then chilled to rest. A flaky, versatile base for pies, tarts, and galettes.

This co-winner in the filled-cookie category from Dorothy O'Neill of Whitefish Bay makes a delicate, crispy cookie. Dipping in chocolate and nuts adds flavor and texture.