Recipe Sifter

Crispy phyllo seed straws made with toasted poppy and sesame seeds, folded in layers and baked golden. A light, crunchy appetizer that stores for weeks.

Pork chops baked on a bed of cornbread stuffing with golden corn soup, topped with a brown sugar mustard glaze. A one-dish weeknight dinner.

Country-style pork ribs boiled with lemon and onion, then finished on the grill with barbecue sauce. A two-step method for tender, saucy ribs every time.

Homemade pork sausage ground from fresh pork shoulder and seasoned generously with sage, savory, marjoram, parsley, and a hint of allspice. An egg and a splash of water keep the patties juicy and tender.

Layered portabella mushroom pasta bake with wheat germ-crusted mushroom slices, chunky tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. A vegetarian Italian comfort dinner for two.

Preserved grape vine leaves for making dolmades all year. Fresh-picked early-summer leaves get bundled, blanched in salted water, then packed into jars with rock salt brine for long-term pantry storage.

Provencal chicken slow cooker (crock pot): chicken pieces braised with bacon, shallots, tomato, red wine, and Mediterranean herbs. 8 hours on low for a restaurant-worthy French-Italian-Spanish fusion.

Puree of broccoli florets with cream is a velvety French-style side dish: quickly blanched broccoli pulsed smooth, enriched with heavy cream, and seasoned with fresh nutmeg. Bright green, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes.

If you're in a rush, slow down to try this succulent dish made with green chili peppers, almonds and avocado slices.

In a Cretan zacharoplasteion (sweet shop), we were so intrigued by these coconut pastries (among the newer breed) that I tried them at home. You can expect the potato pastry to be a bit difficult to manipulate, and you can also anticipate compliments on the results. Attractive and tasty, not excessively sweet.

Fresh tomato salsa with jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and lime. Basically classic pico de gallo with a sharp Mexican kick, ready blender-free in about 15 minutes.

Rasomadhuri, Indian fried cheese balls made with ricotta, milk powder, and cardamom, soaked 24 hours in sugar syrup. A traditional sweet that melts on your tongue.

Raspberry glaze simmers seedless raspberry preserves with port wine and lemon zest into a glossy 15-minute sauce. For roast meats, desserts, or cheese boards.

Raspberry-lemon pie with a tangy condensed-milk lemon filling layered under a glossy raspberry topping in a graham crust. The summer berry-and-citrus combination served chilled.

Homemade whipped cream beats heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla into pillowy soft peaks. Three ingredients, ready in 5 minutes, no canned topping required.

Spicy red chili sourdough biscuits with cheddar cheese, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and dried chilies. A tangy, fiery twist on classic drop biscuits.