Recipe Sifter

Juice poached pears bathe firm fresh pears in spiced grape juice with cinnamon and allspice, then drizzle with the reduced syrup. An elegant low-calorie fruit dessert.

Hearty bean soup combines kidney beans, sweet corn and tomatoes in a chili-cumin spiced broth, topped with shredded cheddar. A 35-minute pantry meal that feels like it simmered all day.

Crispy fried tofu served with a Thai-style peanut dipping sauce made from garlic, cilantro root, chili, and rice vinegar. A spicy, tangy vegetarian appetizer or snack ready in 25 minutes.

The sauce here is no kin whatsoever to the ketchupy stuff that too often swamps cold seafood; it's a good bet with cold shrimp or crabmeat, too.

Chai Kurdi is traditional Kurdish tea brewed with Indian tea leaves and a whole cinnamon stick. Fragrant, warming, and served with sugar cubes for sweetening to taste.

Mai fun chicken salad with rice noodles, napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas, and a hoisin-ginger-sesame dressing. A fresh, no-cook Asian chicken salad.

Traditional calf's feet jelly made from boiled calf's feet with cinnamon, lemon, white wine, and egg whites for clarification. A classic Victorian-era gelatin set in molds and served cold.

Low-fat whole wheat muffins loaded with shredded zucchini and sweet corn kernels. Light, tender, and wholesome enough for everyday breakfast or snacking.

Next time when you crave something sweet but not too rich, try this recipe. Within 10 minutes you will enjoy a creamy, chocolaty yet light treat.

Soft steamed buns filled with mushrooms, water chestnuts, bell pepper, and hoisin sauce, served with a soy-chili dipping sauce. Homemade Chinese bao that freeze beautifully for later.

A no-bake watermelon Jello pie with whipped topping in a graham cracker crust. Pink, fluffy, and refreshing. Swap in any Jello flavor or go sugar-free for a lighter version.

Maharagwe is an East African spiced bean dish simmering black-eyed peas in coconut milk with turmeric, chili powder, tomatoes, and cilantro. Vegan, creamy, and served over rice.

Steam asparagus until tender but still crispy, then drizzle a reduced mixture that's made with apricot jam, red wine vinegar, cinnamon, and ginger. Absolutely easy and delicious.

Oxtails braised 4 hours in red wine with tomatoes and capers, then stripped, stuffed into cabbage rolls with Parmesan, and baked golden. Served on mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

Filipino sinigang na bangus featuring milkfish simmered in a tart tamarind broth with tomatoes, green beans, banana heart, and wilted spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Rosie's Pizza Dough uses durum semolina flour and a food processor to make 8 individual crusts with a chewy, pizzeria-style texture. Includes a quick herb tomato sauce.