Recipe Sifter

Homemade Cajun chicken nuggets coated in onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, chili powder, cumin, and thyme. Pan-fried or microwaved. Makes about 5 dozen bite-sized pieces for a crowd.

Homemade potstickers from scratch: hand-rolled dough wrappers filled with pork, napa cabbage, ginger and water chestnut, pan-fried crisp then steamed tender. Served with a soy, chili oil and vinegar dipping sauce.

Steve's meatloaf: classic comfort-food meatloaf with marinara, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, served with a creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce. Sunday supper at its most satisfying.

Open-faced tuna melts pile canned tuna, mayo, dill pickles, and onion onto a toasted bun, then broil with melty cheese on top. Five-ingredient lunch ready in 10 minutes flat.

Creamy shrimp and egg noodle casserole baked with mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, yogurt, and fresh dill. Whole shrimp arranged on top for a gorgeous presentation.

Folded Sri Lankan omelettes get sliced and bathed in a spiced coconut milk gravy with curry leaves, turmeric, and a bright squeeze of lime. Ready in just 15 minutes.

Roasted red snapper topped with tapenade-mustard crust and a fresh tomato-basil relish. High-heat roasting at 500F cooks the fillets fast and keeps them moist.

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M&M's chocolate macadamia chewies are soft, chewy drop cookies loaded with shredded coconut, buttery macadamia nuts, and mini M&M's baking bits. A tropical-meets-candy-shop twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.

A 10-minute Chinese vegetable stir-fry using whatever veggies you have on hand. Bok choy, zucchini, bean sprouts, and green beans tossed in a quick bouillon glaze. Flexible, fast, and foolproof.

Grilled salmon topped with a smoky charred red pepper sauce made with yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs for a light summer dinner.

Oreo mud pie with layered chocolate and coffee ice cream on a chocolate wafer crust, topped with whipped cream, fudge, and toasted walnuts. The 1970s diner classic frozen dessert.

Thai-style glass noodle salad (yum woon sen) with chicken and shrimp, dressed in lime, fish sauce, and serrano chiles. Bright, spicy, and cool, served over shredded lettuce.

Easy glazed smoked ham trims, scores, and bakes a fully-cooked smoked ham with a simple sugar coating for a holiday-worthy main with minimal effort. The classic Sunday-supper or Easter-table centerpiece.

Homemade turkey gravy built from simmered giblets and neck, pan drippings, half and half, and a finishing splash of brandy. Rich, properly thickened, and worth the extra step on Thanksgiving day.

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta, lemon zest, chives, and chopped almonds, then drizzled with a bright lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. Served cold or at room temperature.