Recipe Sifter

Light blueberry muffins use egg whites, egg substitute, and fat-free spread for tender, fruit-packed muffins with lemon-bright flavor. Two cups of fresh blueberries in every batch.

Mom's baklava layers buttery phyllo with a blend of ground almonds and walnuts, soaked in cinnamon-lemon honey syrup. The cool-syrup-over-hot-pastry trick keeps every flaky layer crisp.

Tangy yogurt and bright lemon zest blend into soft oatmeal cookies with crisp edges, then get showered with powdered sugar for a lighter twist on classic cookies.

Classic cut-out sugar cookies with lemon zest and vanilla that hold their shape beautifully. Buttery, crisp-edged, and ready for decorating with royal icing.

Easter sugar cookies: rolled and cut sugar cookies with lemon zest, perfect for Easter bunny and egg shapes. Two dozen pale, tender cookies ready to decorate.

These rustic pie like galettes were so delicious. Buttery crust and a delicious filling made with roasted leek and onion, and creamy navy beans. It didn't last long. Yum.

Juicy turkey cheddar burgers seasoned with sage, thyme, lemon zest, and sauteed garlic onions, with melted cheese stuffed right inside the patty. Grill or broil in 40 minutes for a lighter burger that still oozes with flavor.

Lemon chocolate bars with a cocoa shortbread base, silky lemon curd middle, and bittersweet orange ganache on top. Three layers of contrasting flavor in every rich bite.

Buttery lemon anise biscotti: twice-baked Italian cookies flavored with bright lemon zest and warm anise. Crisp, dry, and made for dipping in coffee or sweet wine.

Layered vegetable salad with warm spicy peanut dressing made from coconut milk, peanut butter, and sweet soy sauce. Blanched potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, cabbage, and raw jicama.

Crepe blintzes filled with sweetened cottage cheese, Neufchatel, lemon zest, and vanilla, then pan-browned in a touch of canola oil. Served warm with non-fat yogurt, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Brunch favorite, lightened up.

Marinated olives steeped with lemon, fresh thyme, rosemary and slivered garlic in good olive oil. A no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that gets better as it sits. Serve with warm crusty bread.

Beef stew with root vegetables braised slow in red wine until the meat falls apart, then finished with a bright lemon, rosemary, and garlic gremolata. A hearty winter one-pot.

Microwave broccoli spears topped with a creamy lemon-ginger butter sauce made from scratch. A fast vegetable side dish with bright citrus flavor.

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta, lemon zest, chives, and chopped almonds, then drizzled with a bright lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Served cold or at room temperature.

Thai red or green curry paste: a homemade aromatic blend of chilies, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, shrimp paste, ginger, and coriander. The from-scratch base for authentic Thai curries.