Recipe Sifter

Nice way to dress up peas. The mushrooms, water chestnuts and celery add some needed texture. Just a hint of curry adds some nice warmth but is not in any way overpowering and the chicken bouillon powder infuses the flavor.

Shortbread-like biscuits -- This recipe was given to my Great Aunt when she lived in Scotland, by a friend who worked in a bakery in Leven Fife. It is based on the standard short bread recipe.

Bring out the wok and try this savory dish that will have you throwing out take-out coupons!

Quick, easy and tasty. Fresh lemon zest and juice add lots of refreshness, a few garlic cloves give the fragrance, and the toasted almonds bring some nutty taste and another layer of the crunch texture. Serve it with any main course.

Fudgy cocoa brownies with crispy edges and a tender center prove you don't need fancy chocolate bars when quality cocoa powder delivers the goods.

Mihshi malfuf bi zayt (meatless cabbage rolls): Lebanese vegetarian cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, chickpeas, tomato, and parsley, simmered with garlic, mint, and lemon. Served cold or lukewarm.

Spinach and long white radish soup: a clear beef broth scented with juniper and tarragon, loaded with daikon, potato, and spinach, brightened with lemon and turmeric. An unusual, fresh spring bowl.

Italian meatballs and spaghetti features oven-baked beef meatballs simmered in a quick basil-oregano tomato sauce with Parmesan stirred in at the end. Classic family weeknight dinner over a bed of pasta.

Cheesecake brownies marbled with a tangy cream cheese ribbon swirled into a rich cocoa brownie batter. Bake until just set for that perfect fudgy center with a creamy, slightly tart cheesecake layer.

Triple-chocolate brownies loaded with melted butter, unsweetened chocolate, dark cocoa, and a blanket of chocolate chips. Fudgy, rich, and ready in one hour flat.

Silky butternut squash and apple soup with warm curry and chili, the tart Granny Smith apples balancing the squash's sweetness. Pureed smooth and finished with cream for a cozy fall and winter bowl.

Vegan winter squash and apple soup with butternut squash, sweet potato, apples, and a Chinese five-spice kick. Eight ingredients, naturally creamy, perfect fall comfort food.

Farrah Fawcett's pecan pie is the classic: a rich corn syrup and vanilla custard packed with pecan halves in a flaky crust. The actress's simple, foolproof holiday pie bakes up with a glossy, crackly top.

Triple chocolate cheesecake on a chocolate cookie crust, made with cream cheese, melted semisweet chocolate, grated German chocolate, and a splash of creme de cacao. Slow-baked low and slow for a velvety, crack-free finish.

Budget turkey chili: lean ground turkey, kidney beans, tomato paste, and pantry spices simmered into a thick, no-fat-fry chili. High-protein, wallet-friendly weeknight dinner.

Bert Greene's peppered chili layers ground beef and beef shoulder strips with three different chiles (mild ground, caribe, fresh serrano). Slow-baked three hours with red wine, fresh tomatoes, and herbs. Kidney beans go in last. A serious cook's chili.