Recipe Sifter

Linda Williams' many bean soup with mixed dried beans, a ham bone, tomatoes, carrots, and chili powder. A slow-simmered Southern bean soup built to feed a crowd.

Jack-o-lantern cookie pops made with spiced molasses dough cut into pumpkin shapes on lollipop sticks, decorated with tinted ornamental frosting. A fun Halloween baking project for kids.

Grilled salmon sandwich on pumpernickel with a garlic-lemon-dill sauce, tarragon-seasoned fillets, Boston lettuce, and Roma tomatoes. Light, bright, and low calorie.

Messy Fredericks pile shredded ham and turkey in a sweet-spiced barbecue sauce onto toasted hamburger buns with melty cheese. A weeknight family sandwich that feeds six in 30 minutes.

Oat bran cereal cooked in half orange juice, half water with raisins and cinnamon. A single-serving hot breakfast with natural citrus sweetness. Ready in minutes on the stove or microwave.

Reduced fat fudge brownies made with pumpkin puree instead of butter, just 1 tablespoon of oil, and 1 1/4 cups cocoa powder. Dense, chocolatey, and surprisingly rich for a lighter brownie.

Crepes folded into crispy cones, baked golden with butter, then filled with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. An elegant twist on the classic ice cream cone.

Kraut in chops is a 2-ingredient Pennsylvania Dutch classic: pork chops fried golden, then finished with simmered sauerkraut that soaks up the pork drippings. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Braised red cabbage with apples, red wine, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, topped with crispy bacon. A sweet-tart German-style side dish for roast pork.

Cranberry-orange gelatin salad mold with red wine, fresh orange puree, and cranberry sauce. A jewel-toned retro side dish for holiday tables.

Creamy coffee punch with vanilla ice cream floats, sweetened coffee-milk base, whipped cream, and freshly grated nutmeg. A Southern-style punch bowl dessert drink for parties.

These are almost like a "candy" as well as a wheat-free cookie.

Potato crisps with sour cream and caviar are crispy mini potato pancakes topped with cool sour cream and salty salmon roe. An elegant 35-minute cocktail appetizer that looks restaurant-worthy.

Light summer salad with shredded apples, carrots, crushed pineapple, and lemon zest in a vanilla yogurt dressing over crisp lettuce. Fresh, fruity, and no cooking required.

Creamy curried carrot soup with apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a yogurt swirl. Vegetarian, low-fat, and served chilled for a sweet-savory starter.

Minted peaches and melons is a fresh summer fruit salad of ripe peaches and cantaloupe in a light orange-lemon dressing, finished with chopped mint and toasted almonds. No cooking, and easy to make ahead.