Recipe Sifter

A French-Caribbean lamb stew from Martinique and Guadeloupe, simmered with Colombo curry powder, ginger, garlic, boniato or potato, and calabaza squash. Make-ahead friendly and even better the next day.

Stir-fried tofu and bean sprouts with serrano chiles, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. A fast Thai-style wok dish that's vegetable-forward, protein-rich, and ready in 10 minutes.

Baked figs and pears spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, served warm straight from the dish. A naturally sweet, no-fuss breakfast or light dessert built on just five ingredients.

Iowa Thunder and Lightning Salad is a Midwest marinated vegetable salad with cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers in a sweet vinegar and honey dressing. Chills for 2 days for bold flavor.

Savory cabbage strudel wrapped in crispy phyllo dough with sauteed mushrooms, bok choy, fresh dill, and currants. A vegetarian main or side with flaky, golden layers and a tender vegetable filling.

Bread machine gingerbread loaf scented with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. A soft yeasted bread (not a quick bread) with spicy holiday warmth and a tender crumb. Just dump and press start.

Passover brownies made with matzo cake meal instead of flour, plus an optional dark chocolate sour cream glaze. Kosher for Passover, fudgy, and richly chocolatey.

Three-layer cookie bars with a buttery shortbread crust, gooey brown sugar pecan filling, and melted chocolate chips on top. Irresistibly rich and totally addictive.

Mandeltorte, a classic German almond torte made with ground almonds, bread crumbs, and whipped egg whites. Filled with lemon orange custard and dusted with powdered sugar.

Hoosier goulash made entirely in the microwave with ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. A Midwest one-dish dinner in 20 minutes.

Orange blossom muffins: tender bakery-style muffins with sour cream, fresh orange juice, zest, and a splash of Grand Marnier. Brown sugar tops for a caramelized crackle finish.

A three-meat, no-bean chili loaded with ground beef, pork, and hot Italian sausage simmered with Mexican beer and V8 juice. Florida-style heat that feeds a crowd.

Italian garlic pepper bread baked in the bread machine with Parmesan, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. A savory, cheesy loaf that slices beautifully for sandwiches or soup nights.

Italiano meat pie packs the flavor of spaghetti and meatballs into a buttery pie shell: spiced ground beef simmered in tomato sauce, layered with parmesan and mozzarella, and baked bubbling.

Old-fashioned walnut pound cake started in a cold oven for a tall, even crumb. Buttery vanilla base studded with finely chopped walnuts, baked in a tube pan.

A vibrant Moroccan-style salad of grilled and skinned bell peppers, fresh tomatoes, and Spanish onion dressed in a simple garlic, olive oil, and vinegar vinaigrette. Served chilled for a refreshing side dish or starter.