Recipe Sifter

Arroz con pollo built on a hearty mix of brown and wild rice instead of white. Browned chicken simmered with tomatoes, white wine, almonds, peas and a Latin-style sofrito of onion, garlic and paprika.

A fiery Chinese hot pot of pork intestine, duck blood curd, and sour cabbage simmered in a chili-ginger broth with Sichuan peppercorns. Served bubbling over a tabletop burner.

Fettuccine layered with sharp cheddar and sautéed onions bakes in a creamy egg custard speckled with paprika for a simple two-serving pasta bake.

Homemade beer barbecue sauce with brown sugar, two kinds of mustard, Worcestershire, and steak sauce simmered thick. A bold, sweet-tangy basting sauce for grilling.

Gently poached chicken breast tossed with spaghetti, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and peas in garlic butter with fresh basil and Parmesan. Spring vegetables meet comfort food.

Lettuce cups with ground beef and tofu in a savory chili-garlic, hoisin, and sesame sauce. A lighter take on Chinese lettuce wraps with hidden tofu stretching the beef.

Fresh tuna and red potato salad dressed with low-fat yogurt, red wine vinegar, and cumin instead of mayo. Grilled yellowfin tuna, celery, and parsley make this a lighter, protein-packed main dish salad.

Herb-loaded chicken pot pie with fresh sage, thyme, and marjoram in a savory broth filling with turnips, potatoes, and carrots, topped with fluffy homemade biscuits.

Mutton dry curry with lamb rubbed in a ground paste of onions, garlic, ginger, cardamom, and curry powder, then slowly fried until the oil rises. A concentrated, saucy-not-soupy Indian curry.

Sea scallops simmered in a spicy fresh tomato sauce with red wine, garlic, and basil, tossed with fettuccine and finished with grated Parmesan.

Noodles, cabbage, and onions, the classic haluski: tender egg noodles tossed with buttery, golden-browned cabbage and sweet caramelized onions. Humble Eastern European comfort food in one skillet.

Velvety roasted-color red pepper bisque finished with baby shrimp, bay scallops, and corn. A light, dairy-free puree with a tangy lift from tarragon vinegar and lime juice.

Broiled chicken breasts stuffed with red bell pepper, Parmesan, and pine nuts, served with a fresh mango-papaya-coconut salsa spiked with ginger, lime, and jalapeno. A 45-minute dinner that's equal parts elegant and easy.

Straightforward ground beef chili with onions, tomato sauce, diced bell peppers, and chili powder thickened with cornmeal during the final 15 minutes of simmering.

Turkey sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers tossed with Parmesan and served over noodles. A quick 40-minute sausage pasta supper the whole family will devour.

Cantonese-style fried rice loaded with shrimp, char siu pork, chicken, peas, and eggs. Seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and optional shrimp paste for serious wok flavor.