Recipe Sifter

Traditional buttermilk soda bread with no yeast needed bakes into crusty golden rounds in under an hour (toss in raisins for classic Irish Spotted Dog).

This has always been a family favorite. It is also simple and easy to make.

Julekake is a traditional Norwegian Christmas bread with cardamom, candied fruits, and raisins, topped with confectioners icing, almonds, and candied cherries.

This Chinese invention is loved by Thais, who serve salty eggs as a contrast to the incendiary heat of a green curry or a bland dish. Kai kem is traditionally made with duck's eggs, which are cured for several weeks in a simple salt brine. Once cured, they keep for many months at room temperature, and are boiled when it's time to eat them.

Kiros Kai Faki is a thick split pea soup slow-simmered with pigs feet or pork hocks for 6 hours until the meat falls off the bone. Brined overnight for clean, rich flavor.

Lavender angel food cake with 12 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks and dried lavender folded into the batter. Light, fragrant, and fat-free. Ready in about an hour.

Lemon-basil swordfish broiled with garlic and served with steamed julienned carrots, radishes, and snow peas. A light, elegant dinner for two ready in 45 minutes.

Microwave macaroni sauteed in oil with onion, green pepper, and garlic, then cooked in tomato juice with Worcestershire sauce. A one-dish pasta, no boiling needed.

Steamed mange tout (snow peas) and baby carrots tossed with soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger, topped with toasted sunflower seeds. A quick, vibrant vegetarian side.

Grilled sirloin steak marinated in gin, dry vermouth, garlic, and herbs, garnished with pimento-stuffed olives. A cocktail-inspired steak with real martini flavor.

Mock cheesecake uses blended tofu, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla in place of cream cheese for a vegan-friendly, dairy-free dessert baked into a graham cracker crust. Surprisingly creamy and bright.

Molded mandarin cranberry relish with whole cranberry sauce, mandarin oranges, celery, and walnuts set in gelatin. A festive Thanksgiving side dish that holds its shape on the plate.

Ginger barbecue chicken baked in a homemade sauce of tomato paste, fresh ginger, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Sweet, tangy, and smoky.

Moroccan sweet rice with cinnamon, a buttery side dish dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. A classic North African accompaniment to spicy tagines or roast lamb.

Strawberry, melon, and avocado salad fans avocado and cantaloupe over baby spinach, tops with berries, and drizzles with honey-sherry-mint dressing. A stunning brunch salad.

No-bake cocoa bourbon balls with crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, cocoa powder, and corn syrup rolled in granulated sugar. A classic holiday candy ready in 15 minutes.