Recipe Sifter

Roast goose rubbed with thyme and served with potato pierogies and a pan dripping gravy made from the neck and liver. A showstopping Eastern European holiday centerpiece.

Marinated eggplant in olive oil: salt-pressed, vinegar-soaked strips layered with garlic, oregano, and chile in extra-virgin oil. An Italian antipasto that gets better for months.

This rich dip made from strawberries, cream cheese and liqeur will add sophistication to your next dinner!

Vegetarian Chinese boiled dumplings (shwei jow) with handmade wrappers and a tofu, mushroom, and lily bud filling. Served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Makes 24.

Hearty baked round steak and dried lima beans slow-cooked in tomato juice with bacon, brown sugar, and dry mustard. A rustic one-pot meal that feeds 8 and tastes even better the next day.

Cottage cheese Jello salad with dry orange Jello powder, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream. No boiling, no setting time. A fluffy, creamy retro potluck side ready in 10 minutes.

Grilled pork tacos with tropical papaya and pineapple mixed into the filling, folded with Monterey Jack cheese, and baked until golden. Served with fresh papaya salsa for a sweet-savory taco night.

Crispy fried wonton wrappers stuffed with curried pork, Chinese mushrooms, celery, and onion. These bite-sized Chinese tacos make an irresistible appetizer or party snack.

Quick turkey pita stuffed with alfalfa sprouts, tomato, cucumber, and a drizzle of creamy ranch. A fresh, no-cook lunch ready in under 10 minutes.

Pork and mung bean spring rolls: ground pork stir-fried with bean sprouts and onion, wrapped in egg roll skins, dipped in a Bisquick batter and deep-fried golden. American-Chinese style.

Filet mignon seared and topped with a Madeira-cream green peppercorn sauce spiked with Dijon and shallots. A classic bistro steak dinner for two in under 40 minutes.

Avocado chef salad piled with red leaf lettuce, watercress, mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, Swiss cheese, julienned ham or turkey, cubed avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. A protein-packed lunch in five minutes.

German beef rouladen: thin slices brushed with mustard, rolled around bacon and onion, then slow-braised in a paprika-tomato sauce finished with sour cream. Classic comfort food over potatoes or noodles.

Larb (larp): Thai-Isaan minced beef salad with fire-roasted garlic and shallots, toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime, chili, and fresh herbs. Served in lettuce cups with mint.

Elegant smoked salmon tart in a flaky phyllo crust with a rich custard of eggs, cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Serve warm or at room temperature for brunch or entertaining.

Pan-seared fish fillets in a Mediterranean sauce of kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Ready in 25 minutes with trout, sole, or orange roughy. Quick, elegant weeknight dinner.