Recipe Sifter

Two-layer diabetic-friendly brownies with an unsweetened coconut bottom and a chocolate top, made with sugar substitute. Low-fat, mailable, and perfectly portioned into 32 small bars from one 8-inch pan.

If your date's a sweetie, then there's no harm in making this succulent chicken dish with some help from your crockpot.

Hot Grape Nuts cereal microwaved with skim milk for a warm, crunchy breakfast in under a minute. Customize the texture from big crunch to soft with fresh fruit or honey on top.

These scrumptious treats are made with whole wheat flour and a bit of garlic powder.

Serves a large group and can be prepared the morning of the party and is assembled at the site of the party, 10 minutes before serving.

Wespennester (wasp nests), a rare traditional German fried pastry from the Oberallgau region. Batter layers are built on wooden spoon handles and filled with honey.

Southwestern bean stew with Anasazi and pinto beans, hominy, and roasted green chiles. Slow-cooked until creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Friendship fruit starter ferments pineapple, peaches, apricots, and cherries in brandy and sugar for three weeks. A boozy heirloom base for cakes, ice cream, or gifting.

A hot and tasty salsa that tastes amazing on sandwiches, in wraps or with tortilla chips.

Leeks, wild mushrooms, and green beans sautéed in sherry with a bright finish of orange zest and apple cider vinegar. A low-fat, 20-minute side dish with surprising depth.

Marinated asparagus salad with red pepper, red onion, and tangy raspberry vinaigrette. A make-ahead cold side dish that gets better overnight. No oil, naturally light.

Fried eggplant and yellow squash drizzled with taratour (Lebanese tahini-lemon sauce), served with pita wedges. A Middle Eastern appetizer with crispy, golden vegetables and creamy sauce.

No-cook black bean and corn salad with bell pepper, celery, and onion dressed in cumin and rice vinegar. Vegan, flexible portions, ready in 20 minutes.

A creamy strawberry banana smoothie made with low-fat yogurt and ice. Four ingredients, no added sugar, and ready in under 5 minutes. Light, refreshing, and naturally sweet.

Malosolnye ogurtsy are Russian lightly-salted pickles made with fresh dill, horseradish, garlic, and a simple brine. Crisp, garlicky, and ready in just four days.

Bruschetta with chopped tomato salad featuring red and yellow bell peppers, capers, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar. Low-fat, no oil, served as a mound alongside garlic-rubbed toast.