Recipe Sifter

Homemade tomato basil pasta made with just three ingredients: durum semolina flour, dried basil, and tomato juice. A simple, oil-free fresh pasta dough.

Saltine cracker torte folds crushed soda crackers and walnuts into stiffly beaten egg whites for a flourless meringue-style dessert topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Traditional English mustard made with just two ingredients: dry mustard powder and cold water mixed into a smooth paste. Cold water is key because heat kills the enzymes that give English mustard its fierce bite.

How to roast a whole turkey in the microwave: finish the bird in a roasting bag at reduced power, then rest it tented under foil so it cooks through and stays juicy. A faster route to a moist holiday bird.

Turtle shells are a novelty edible-insect snack: cooked cicadas dipped in warm chocolate glaze and cooled into crunchy, chocolate-topped morsels. A bold entry into entomophagy for the adventurous.

Twice baked potatoes with a nonfat yogurt-mashed filling instead of sour cream, seasoned to taste and baked until heated through with a paprika-dusted top. A lighter, customizable classic side dish.

Two-ingredient crockpot chicken with sweet and spicy sauce. A whole chicken slow-cooked breast-down for juicy, saucy, fall-off-the-bone results every time.

U-238 punch with rum, vodka, strawberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice loaded with fresh fruit. A potent tropical party punch that serves a crowd.

Uma Salada Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese mixed green salad with lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, purple onion rings, stuffed olives, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. Fresh, bright, and ready in 20 minutes.

Vellirikkai thogayal is a South Indian cucumber chutney with mustard seeds, urad dal, methi, dried red chilies, and sesame oil. A tangy, crunchy condiment for rice.

This co-winner in the filled-cookie category from Dorothy O'Neill of Whitefish Bay makes a delicate, crispy cookie. Dipping in chocolate and nuts adds flavor and texture.

Creamy vegan walnut sauce blended from toasted flour, raw walnuts, lemon, and garlic. A protein-rich dairy-free gravy that turns simple grains, potatoes, or roasted vegetables into a complete meal.

Bubbly white grape punch made with frozen grape juice concentrate, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda. A 3-ingredient party drink that serves a crowd and takes just 10 minutes to make.

Homemade wine cooler with wine and lemon-lime soda served over ice. A light, refreshing 2-ingredient spritzer that takes 5 minutes to make. Lower in alcohol than straight wine.

Sour cream chutney walnut dip: a three-ingredient party trick that combines tangy sour cream, sweet-spicy mango chutney, and crunchy walnuts. Stir, chill, serve with crackers or chips. That's it.

Wormy apples turn caramel apples into a Halloween creepshow with red sugar coating and gummy worms peeking out. A no-bake treat kids beg to help with every October.