Recipe Sifter

Layered orange pineapple cake with a crunchy coconut-pecan praline topping, whipped cream frosting, and crushed pineapple baked inside. A showstopper from a box mix.

Seared sea bass baked in a slow-simmered Greek tomato sauce with garlic, onions, white wine, rosemary, and bay leaves. Feeds eight and fills the kitchen with Mediterranean aromas.

Oven-fried mustard chicken coated in Dijon, garlic, and rosemary, then crusted with crushed bran flakes and Parmesan. Crispy outside, juicy inside, no deep frying needed.

Pecan chess pie crosses Southern chess pie with classic pecan pie: a custardy cornmeal-laced filling studded with toasted pecans baked into a flaky crust. Less sticky than corn syrup-style pecan pies.

Chocolate applesauce cake baked in canning jars and sealed while hot. A moist, fudgy cake with almond extract that makes a unique homemade gift.

Ethiopian vegetable stew (Yetakelt W'Et) with potatoes, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes simmered in berbere and ghee. A warming vegetarian dish ready in 40 minutes.

Peasant-style spaghetti with sauteed fresh tomatoes, minced prosciutto, garlic, and oregano tossed together in under 25 minutes. Finished with Parmesan and parsley.

Hearty vegetable barley soup with lean ground beef, pearl barley, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and frozen mixed vegetables. A budget-friendly weeknight pot full of fiber.

One-pan chicken breast with rosemary potatoes, garlic, and olive oil. A microwave-shortcut for the spuds plus a fast skillet sear gets dinner on the table in 30 minutes.

Microwave apple crisp with Granny Smith apples under a brown sugar oat topping with cinnamon and nutmeg. A warm, spiced dessert ready in just over 20 minutes, no oven needed.

Quick brownies made with biscuit baking mix, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and walnuts. Six ingredients, one bowl, and 35 minutes from start to cut squares.

Soy-marinated chicken wok-seared with hot bean paste, ginger, garlic, and five spice, then served over steamed bok choy. An authentic Szechuan stir-fry with fiery, aromatic flavor.

Pink maraschino cherry layer cake with cherry juice in the batter, chopped nuts, and fluffy 7-minute icing. A retro party cake with a pretty blush color and sweet cherry flavor throughout.

Parmesan asparagus spears blanched crisp-tender and tossed in a balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan. Low-fat vegetarian side dish.

Classic shortbread with rice flour for a delicate sandy bite, baked in a sheet pan and cut into bars. Five ingredients, scored before baking for clean snap-apart pieces.

Portuguese red bean soup with chorizo sausage, kidney beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and paprika in chicken broth. A hearty, smoky one-pot soup inspired by traditional Portuguese cooking.