Recipe Sifter

Whole fish wrapped in a banana leaf with garlic, tomato, cilantro, and achiote, then roasted on a comal or dry skillet. A traditional Central American pachay recipe that's simple and full of smoky, earthy flavor.

A fast sweet-and-sour chicken pasta salad: a pasta salad dressing mix spiked with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, then tossed with cooked chicken, crisp snow peas, red pepper, and Parmesan. A quick no-cook main-dish salad.

Salmon lemon penne pairs grilled salmon and roasted red peppers with a bright lemon Alfredo sauce over penne. A weeknight pasta that eats like restaurant food.

Miniature quiches with a sharp cheddar pastry shell and egg custard filling. Make 48 bite-sized appetizers that freeze and reheat beautifully for parties.

Grilled swordfish steaks marinated in soy sauce, fresh ginger, dry sherry, garlic, and lemon zest. An Asian-inspired marinade with bold umami flavor and a quick grill.

Roman-style concia: zucchini slices fried golden in olive oil, then layered with garlic, basil, and vinegar. An old-world Italian appetizer that improves as it sits.

Thin-pounded pork steaks coated in a spiced cornmeal and whole wheat crust, pan-fried crisp alongside red and green pepper strips. A 30-minute skillet dinner for 4.

Winter squash baked with Spanish brown rice, fresh tomatoes, and red bell pepper in one dish. A simple vegetable casserole with just four ingredients.

Turkey mole empanadas wrapped in flaky puff pastry with cilantro and scallions. Baked golden in 10 minutes for an easy Mexican-inspired appetizer with rich, spiced filling.

Anginares me anitho: Greek artichokes braised with spring onions, fresh dill, and lemon, then finished with a silky avgolemono egg-lemon sauce. The springtime Athenian classic.

Add a little twist to your eggnog that is perfect for some quiet time around the fireplace.

Whole trout wrapped in foil with butter and a squeeze of lemon, then nestled on coals to steam over an open fire. The classic three-ingredient campfire fish for fresh catch.

Belgian endive leaves filled with whipped cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, piped into elegant rosettes. A make-ahead appetizer that looks stunning on any party platter.

Italian stuffed mushrooms with escargot and garlic-lemon butter, browned under the broiler. Old-school continental appetizer that turns canned snails into elegance.

Makvlis Supi is a Georgian cold blackberry soup with garlic, cilantro, mint, thyme, cucumber, and a splash of vinegar. Sweet-savory chilled summer soup, served with a swirl of sour cream.

Overnight praline French toast baked on a sticky pecan-brown sugar base. Thick French bread soaked in egg custard, flipped onto a caramel-nut layer, and baked until puffed and golden.