Recipe Sifter

Smoked salmon canapes on crisp jicama triangles with lime-spiked Neufchatel cheese and cracked black pepper. A light, no-cook appetizer that looks like it came from a caterer.

Strawberry balm syrup: crushed fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon balm simmered into a fragrant ruby-red syrup. Pour over ice with sparkling water, drizzle on pancakes, or swirl into cocktails.

Layered fudge squares sandwich a homemade marshmallow fondant between two layers of milk chocolate fudge, then top with chopped nuts. Old-school candy-shop technique that yields about 48 squares of three-textured chocolate.

A simple cranberry-cherry gelatin mold made from scratch with unflavored gelatin, cranberry juice, and whole cherries. Garnished with watercress and cream cheese balls.

Holiday muffin mix blends whole wheat, white flour, cinnamon, and cloves into a DIY dry mix for gifting. Jar it up with a label for instant spiced-muffin batter.

Apple pie topped with marshmallow meringue instead of a top crust. Cinnamon-spiced apples baked in a flaky shell, finished with fluffy marshmallow cream and egg white topping browned to golden.

Fresh mango salsa with jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. A bright, fruity no-cook salsa ready in 10 minutes. Serve over soup with sour cream, or with chips and grilled fish.

Port wine jelly made with port, fresh grape juice, sugar, and liquid pectin. A jewel-toned preserve that pairs with cheese boards, roasted meats, and holiday gift giving.

Vibrant broccoli and zucchini saute with green onions, basil, and soy sauce. Serve hot or cold on a bed of lettuce for an elegant side dish that feeds a crowd.

Navy bean soup with a meaty ham bone, slow-simmered with onion and celery into a hearty, smoky bowl. A gluten-free, high-fiber classic that turns leftover ham into a freezer-stocking meal.

Healthy apple pie with a crushed Grape Nuts cereal base and a no-sugar-added filling sweetened with apple juice concentrate. Coriander and cinnamon spice six thinly sliced apples for a low-fat dessert.

Old-fashioned lemonade made from a homemade lemon syrup with fresh juice, sugar, and lemon zest. The syrup keeps in the fridge for up to three weeks so you can mix a glass of fresh lemonade anytime.

Sauteed mushrooms with tarragon, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. A simple vegetarian side dish or appetizer with just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of active cooking.

Indian-style deep-fried whitefish marinated in a garlic, cumin, coriander, and star anise paste with lemon juice. Crispy, golden, and packed with warm spice.

A snow-white Texas sheet cake made with egg whites, buttermilk, and a touch of almond extract. Baked in a jelly roll pan for a thin, tender crumb that feeds a crowd and frosts up beautifully.

Grilled angel food cake with skewered nectarines basted in lemon-sugar glaze and fresh blueberries. A light summer grilled dessert with caramelized fruit and toasted cake.