Recipe Sifter

Candied grapefruit or orange peel: citrus peel blanched five times to remove bitterness, simmered in sugar syrup until glossy, and rolled in granulated sugar. Old-school edible gift, zero waste.

Steamed whole chicken rubbed with oil and salt, then drizzled with a warm sesame-ginger-soy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Chinese-style and full of flavor.

Not too watery, not too heavy, this recipe is just right! Once again, I often adjust measurements and go by feel!

Rosemary turkey salad with fresh herbs, shredded Granny Smith apple, and light mayo served over alfalfa sprouts and lettuce. A fresh, lighter take on classic turkey salad for two.

Tequila and lime marinated shrimp grilled on skewers, served with a fiery jalapeño-horseradish cocktail sauce. From grill to plate in under 10 minutes.

Tender chicken breasts simmered in white wine and chicken broth with mushrooms, onion, and basil. A light, savory one-skillet dinner ready in about an hour.

Nondairy chocolate rum mousse melts chocolate chips with water and rum, then folds in beaten egg whites for an airy four-ingredient dairy-free dessert. Keeps a week in the fridge.

The recipe was quite easy, and the mixture of coating added a layer of great flavor and texture to the succulent beef tenderloin. My family certainly enjoyed it!

Sugar-free chocolate coating melts together with crunchy cereal and seeds, then hardens into bark candy that's perfect for diabetics or anyone watching their sugar intake without sacrificing sweet treats.

Homemade grainy mustard with mustard seeds, white wine, vinegar, and a touch of corn syrup. Bold artisan-style condiment that keeps for a month in the fridge.

Peppery mozzarella salad with beefsteak tomatoes, avocado, and shallots in a crushed green peppercorn and lemon dressing. Marinated one hour for bold flavor.

Polenta Toscana with rosemary and toasted walnuts sauteed in olive oil, stirred into creamy polenta. Serve it soft or cool it and slice into crostini. A simple Tuscan vegetarian side or appetizer.

Sissy's pina colada blends coconut cream, pineapple juice, and vodka with a splash of almond syrup, then whirs it with ice into a frosty, tropical frozen cocktail. A nutty twist on the classic blender drink.

Lamb and bulgur bake: a Middle Eastern-style kibbeh pie with layered ground lamb, bulgur, onion, and a pine nut stuffing. Crisp on top, juicy inside, sliced into wedges.

A delicious side dish made with lima beans that's perfect for that backyard barbecue.

Hearty Hungarian-style cranberry bean soup with kolbasz sausage, thickened with a bacon dripping roux and sour cream. Old-world comfort food that sticks to your ribs.