Recipe Sifter

Congee is the Chinese name, Kanji the Japanese, and Jook is the Filipino name, all for the same thing. In English it would be called Rice Gruel or maybe Rice Hot Cereal, but progressively it is referred to by the naturalist health community as Congee. It is a staple of the Ancient Chinese Diet and used to nurse the sick and weak back to health. They say 3 weeks of this will cure ANYTHING! Its because it gives your system such a break that it can use its energy elsewhere to heal what ails you. It has nursed me back to health at least 3 times now and is supposed to be a part of my DAILY diet, according to my Acupuncturist, Betsy. Thank you for saving my life Betsy!!!

Asafetida, mango powder, and black salt distinguish the chat masala from other masalas, giving the blend a sourness that makes it a welcome accompaniment to fresh fruit and other snacks. 'Chat' refers to various snacks and to the North Indian cafes that serve them. Fresh fruit often is sprinkled with lime juice and chat masala. Black salt (which is actually reddish gray), available at Indian food stores, has a distinctive flavor that's quite different from sea salt or table salt. The garam masala is the wild card in this recipe; either one of the (Tamil Nadu Curry Powder or Punjabi-Style Garam Masala) masalas may be used.

Easy turkey soup with elbow macaroni, frozen mixed vegetables, and a surprising splash of orange juice concentrate. A fast weeknight soup ready in 35 minutes.

Light, fluffy cornmeal dumplings that cook right on top of your soup, stew, or stock in just 15 minutes. Small-batch recipe for one serving, easily doubled. Includes a cheese variation.

Simple celery-rice casserole baked in chicken broth with onion and marjoram. An easy, budget-friendly side dish that practically makes itself in the oven.

Slow cooker flank steak braised in sauterne wine, beef broth, and soy sauce with sliced mushrooms. Fork-tender beef with a rich, glossy mushroom gravy.

No-cook tortilla rollups with cream cheese, ranch, chunky salsa, and cheddar on whole wheat tortillas. Chill, slice into pinwheels, and watch them vanish at any party.

Philadelphia pepper pot soup with ham, leeks, onions, celery, tomatoes, rice, and bouillon, seasoned with pepper and simmered until the vegetables are tender. A quick, hearty American colonial-era soup.

Hearty meatless chili from Pawtucket, RI loaded with kidney beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a warm spice blend of cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Low-fat, plant-based, and ready in 40 minutes.

Kiwi lime marmalade made in the microwave in just 10 minutes. Fresh kiwi, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar cook down into a bright, tangy spread. No canning required.

Italian oil-packed tuna blitzed with mascarpone, kalamata olives, capers, anchovy paste, and lemon zest into a luxurious tapenade spread. Pile it on grilled crostini for a cocktail party appetizer that disappears fast.

Try this quick, but scrumptious casserole that won't seem like it was made just before dinner time.

Japanese pickled cauliflower with Coca-Cola: a quirky fridge pickle of crisp cauliflower, bell pepper, and celery in a sweet-tangy cola-vinegar brine. Overnight quick pickles with a Japanese Showa-era twist.

Indonesian-style mie goreng with soba noodles, tofu, snow peas, and bean sprouts, tossed in a soy-brown sugar-chili sauce. Vegetarian, low-fat, and on the table in 25 minutes.

Cwikla is a traditional Polish pickled beet relish with horseradish, cloves, and vinegar. A staple on the Easter and Christmas table.

These delicious almond cookies are the perfect treat to have when enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate.