Recipe Sifter

Silky pear butter simmered with white wine, vanilla bean, cardamom, and whole spices, then canned for year-round enjoyment. A gorgeous homemade preserve that makes Bartlett pears shine.

Hot cranberry pineapple punch brewed in a coffee percolator with whole cloves and cinnamon sticks. Serves 22 and fills the whole house with the smell of the holidays.

Spiced brown basmati rice pilaf cooked with whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, and chicken broth, finished with warm raisins and slivered almonds. A fragrant, diabetic-friendly side.

Spiced shrimp with broiled polenta stacks lemon-sage shrimp onto crisp-broiled polenta rounds, finished with crumbled prosciutto. An elegant, quick New Year's Eve appetizer or small-plate main.

Quick herbed brown sauce simmered with chopped onion, parsley, tarragon, thyme, and a splash of vinegar. A savory, tangy pan sauce for chicken or roasted meats in just 15 minutes.

Fiery chickpea and butter bean pasta simmered in vegetable stock with hot chili peppers and jalapeños. A hearty, protein-packed vegan pasta that brings serious heat in just 30 minutes.

Spicy baby back ribs with a Chinese-style marinade of fermented black beans, ginger, garlic, soy, fish sauce, and chopped orange. Marinated overnight, grilled low and slow, basted constantly.

Spicy Cajun pork chops rubbed with bold Cajun seasoning and quickly seared, then topped with sweet caramelized red onions simmered in barbecue sauce. A fast, fiery-sweet weeknight dinner.

Smooth blended cocktail salsa with Roma tomatoes, chipotle salsa, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, and hot sauce. A smoky, tangy dip that purees in minutes and serves cold.

This hearty spicy corn ragout brings together sweet corn, fresh spinach, red peppers, and jalapeños in a quick 30-minute one-pot dish that's low-fat and loaded with bold flavor.

Maryland-style spicy crab soup simmered with chicken wings, tomatoes, corn, and green peas. Seasoned with Old Bay-style spices and lemon pepper for that Chesapeake Bay kick.

Spicy cranberry pork chops with whole-berry cranberry sauce, raisins, brown sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon. A sweet-tart microwave pork chop dinner.

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.

Fresh tomatillo green sauce with jalapenos, cumin, cilantro, and garlic sauteed in vegetable stock. A low-fat, bright salsa verde for tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats.

Spicy hot dog mustard made with Dijon, yellow mustard, and honey. Three ingredients, no cooking, and sharper than anything from a squeeze bottle.

Spicy Lentil and Pepper Sauce for Pasta or Rice recipe