Recipe Sifter

Mandel-Halbmonde are German almond crescents: buttery shortbread cookies shaped like half-moons, baked pale, then rolled twice in powdered sugar. The kind of melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookie every German bakery puts on the holiday plate.

Mango fruit parfait layered in wineglasses with mango-orange puree, sliced strawberries, kiwi, and raspberries. A no-cook, no-sugar-added tropical dessert that looks stunning.

Soft maple raisin cookies with applesauce, pumpkin pie spice, walnuts, and a fluffy maple buttercream frosting. A spiced drop cookie that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Cinnamon-spiced maple cookies rolled in crispy rice cereal with chopped nuts. A crunchy, unique drop cookie with a sweet maple flavor and cereal coating.

Single-crust maple pie with cream cheese pastry, thin-sliced Granny Smith apples, and maple-sour cream topping. Nutmeg finish adds warmth.

Maple walnut cookies made from boiled maple syrup, whipped egg whites, sherry, and chopped walnuts. Piped from a pastry tube and baked into crisp, meringue-style cookies.

Marble scones with swirled chocolate and vanilla doughs folded together for stunning ribbons of bittersweet chocolate. A buttermilk-tender showpiece scone for brunch or afternoon tea.

Marble scones with swirls of vanilla and chocolate dough folded together, made with buttermilk and real butter. A beautiful, flaky breakfast pastry with two-tone appeal.

Marble squares swirl cream cheese filling through a tender chocolate sheet cake batter, topped with chocolate chips. Makes a big jelly-roll pan for a crowd, baked in 30 minutes.

Mardi Gras king cake made from a rich buttery brioche-style yeast dough, shaped into a traditional oval ring, and topped with corn syrup and colored sugar. Hide the baby and let the good times roll.

Marinated asparagus bundles tied with blanched green onion strips and marinated in red wine vinegar with oregano and tarragon. An elegant make-ahead appetizer.

Provencal braised beef marinated overnight in red wine with garlic, cloves, allspice, and vinegar, then slow-braised with bacon, carrots, brandy, and orange zest. A deeply flavored French country casserole.

Marinated oranges soaked in Grand Marnier and sugar for 24 hours. A three-ingredient French dessert with boozy, candied citrus flavor. Served with chocolate cookies for an elegant finish.

Fire up the barbecue because this dish is meant to be cooked outdoors. Perfect for the summer!

Vegetarian fried rice with carrots, bell pepper, corn, fresh ginger, and chili in a wok with soy sauce. Uses cold pre-cooked rice for the best texture.

It is an excellent choice for February parties or for any occasion where a deluxe cake is desired.