Recipe Sifter

Tiny baby zucchini halves hollowed out and stuffed with a sauteed filling of garlic, shallot, Roma tomatoes, and fresh parsley. An elegant room-temperature appetizer from the Silver Palate.

A quick, easy, and inexpensive dish that got my kids through college.

Piccalilli is a sweet-sour spiced relish of green tomatoes, peppers, onion and cabbage, salted overnight then simmered in cider vinegar, brown sugar and whole spices. A tangy condiment for hot dogs, beans and cold meats.

Quick pickled green peppers with garlic and bay leaves in a simple vinegar brine. Pack into canning jars for a crunchy, tangy condiment that lasts for months.

Fanned orange slices on a pool of silky cranberry coulis spiked with Grand Marnier or Cointreau. A stunning, light fruit dessert that's as gorgeous as it is refreshing.

Pineapple ginger sauce with garlic and soy sauce, thickened with cornstarch for a glossy finish. A fat-free, 15-minute stir-fry sauce with bright tropical flavor.

Non-alcoholic red wine substitute for cooking made with water, beef stock, and vinegar. A quick three-ingredient swap that adds acidity and depth to sauces, stews, and braises.

Veal chops Italienne: seared veal chops finished in a quick microwave tomato, oregano, and red wine sauce with a parmesan crust. Italian-style weeknight veal in under 30 minutes.

Most health food stores sell many kinds of whole grain cereals. Follow directions on package, but increase the amount of water by 1/2 cup for every two servings.

Pistachio-stuffed mushrooms: mushroom caps filled with chopped stems, toasted pistachios, breadcrumbs, and marjoram, then broiled until golden and bubbling. A crunchy, nutty party appetizer in under half an hour.

Old-fashioned stew dumplings with cream of tartar and baking soda for lift. Five pantry ingredients, no butter or eggs needed, ready in 20 minutes.

Marinated trout poached with vegetables in white wine and vinegar, then stored in glass jars. A European-style pickled fish preserve that improves over days in the fridge.

Try these decadent cookies made with blanched almonds and a pinch of cinnamon.

Hearty whole wheat oatmeal bread with molasses sweetness and tender crumb, perfect for toast or sandwiches

Ohio angel cookies rolled in sugar before baking for a crackled, sparkly crust with a soft, chewy center. A snickerdoodle-style cookie with brown sugar depth and cream of tartar tang.

Root vegetable bake: butternut squash, celeriac, carrot, potato, and turnip simmered tender, mashed smooth, then topped with golden caramelized onions and baked until crusty. Holiday-table ready.