Recipe Sifter

New England baked beans from dried navy beans, slow-cooked with smoked ham, maple syrup, brown sugar, and dry mustard. The all-day crock pot cook builds deep, sweet-smoky flavor no canned beans can touch.

Risotto pomodoro made with arborio rice, fresh tomato, garlic, and chicken broth, stirred gradually until creamy. A light Italian tomato risotto with clean, simple flavors.

Microwave scallops Provencal with garlic, tomato, mushrooms, black olives, and fresh basil. A 10-minute Mediterranean dinner that keeps scallops tender without pan-searing skills.

Fresh cherry sauce simmered with white wine and lemon juice, pureed smooth, then studded with whole cherries. Nutmeg and cayenne add quiet warmth. A make-ahead sauce for pork, duck, or game.

Stuffed snow pea pods filled with a ricotta and cream cheese filling with shredded radish and chives. A crisp, no-cook appetizer that's low-calorie and elegant.

You'll be seeing red with this delicious dish made with hot chili peppers and a pinch of paprika.

Pickled blueberries in a sweet cider vinegar brine with cinnamon and pickling spices. Refrigerator pickles that are ready after an overnight soak.

Middle Eastern fried pastries filled with spiced almond-cinnamon filling and dipped in sugar syrup. Crispy finger-shaped cookies that freeze beautifully.

Frozen bananas rolled in honey, lemon juice, and almond slivers. A four-ingredient summer snack with the chew of frozen banana and the crunch of toasted nuts. No churning, no sugar added beyond honey.

The pleasing almond flavor and nice crunch of these simple little cookies, from Paula Tuchscherer-Jones of Milwaukee, earned them a win in the ethnic cookie category.

A tasty jelly that tastes amazing with plain or toasted bread. Can also be stored in jars and used as Christmas gifts for your relatives!

Spicy-sweet chutney with Granny Smith apples, fresh red chilies, and toasted pine nuts. This Indian-inspired condiment simmers for 30 minutes, then chills to develop complex flavors. Pairs with roasted meats or cheese boards.

Applesauce whole wheat zucchini bread is a healthier loaf sweetened by crushed pineapple and applesauce instead of sugar or oil. Whole wheat flour and optional walnuts add fiber and crunch.

Fiery Italian-style hot peppers sauteed with garlic and Roma tomatoes in olive oil. A 5-ingredient, 45-minute side dish or condiment with serious kick.

Chunky avocado salsa cruda with fresh tomatoes, jalapeno, red onion, and green bell pepper. This no-cook Mexican salsa needs an hour to meld but only 10 minutes of prep.

Soft shell crabs stuffed with cheese, breaded, and baked in tomato sauce until crispy on top and melty inside. A Chesapeake Bay classic that's easier than frying.