Recipe Sifter

Homemade vanilla bean extract with just two ingredients: chopped vanilla beans steeped in brandy for two weeks. Richer than store-bought and endlessly refillable.

Sweet and sour cucumber salad inspired by ancient Roman Apicius cookery, with sweet wine, vinegar, liquamen and mint. A historical recipe brought back to the modern table.

Polenta pizza with a crispy cornmeal crust topped with spaghetti sauce, fresh vegetables, and optional mozzarella. A gluten-free, vegetarian pizza alternative ready in 25 minutes.

Roasted mallard duck with turnips, basted in pan juices with a rosemary and bay leaf herb bouquet. Best served medium rare with pale rose juices.

Mulsum is the ancient Roman honeyed wine, made by stirring honey into white wine and chilling. Two ingredients, served as an aperitif by Caesar's contemporaries.

A light chocolate banana layer cake with bittersweet chocolate, fresh bananas blended into the batter, and layers of banana cream and sliced bananas. Dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Tequila beef steaks: grill-ready steaks marinated in tequila, olive oil, black pepper, lemon zest, and garlic. Agave and citrus bring out the beef flavor like nothing else.

Crisp biscotti soaked in flavored simple syrup until soft, then topped with fresh whipped cream and fruit. A quick Italian-inspired dessert with endless variations.

Braised duck with chestnuts in a syrupy orange and red currant sauce, built on homemade duck stock and fresh thyme. A rustic European classic that's pure cold-weather comfort.

Four quick, no-cook party appetizers: cherry tomatoes stuffed with smoked oysters, lemonade-marinated apple wedges, sugar-dipped strawberries, and Edam cheese balls. Easy retro finger food that comes together fast.

Satisfy your appetite with this fruity salad that's extremely easy to prepare.

Grilled figs filled with a lemon myrtle and ricotta cheese filling.

Morning fruit salad with cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries, and raspberries, tossed with fresh mint and orange juice. Light, vibrant, no-cook breakfast or brunch side ready in 20 minutes.

Mushroom salad tosses crisp iceberg and Boston lettuce with cucumbers, green beans, and raw sliced mushrooms in French dressing. Light, vegetarian, diabetic-friendly side.

Classic British soused herrings slow-baked in a tangy bath of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Marmite, and pickling spices. Served cold as a traditional pub-style appetizer.

Halloween cookie pops made from refrigerated dough on wooden sticks, baked golden and decorated with frosting and candy. A fun, kid-friendly party activity with just 3 ingredients.