Recipe Sifter

As every angler knows, skillet-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout are never more tasty than when prepared this way. Can there be any tastier dish than the one that comes from this happy marriage of fresh trout and butter?

Feuerzangenbowle, the traditional German fire punch with mulled red wine, a flaming rum-soaked sugar cone, orange and lemon peel, and cloves. A dramatic holiday spectacle.

You can serve this delightful cholesterol-free, high-fiber bread on New Year's Eve instead of the traditional bowl of black-eyed peas believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Greek lamb souvlaki marinated in olive oil, white wine, oregano, and garlic then grilled on skewers. A Mediterranean classic for your next cookout.

Old-school garlic dill pickles made with a simple vinegar brine, fresh dill, and whole garlic cloves. This canning recipe fills about 8 quarts of crunchy, tangy pickles.

Port-soaked dried figs stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with a whole almond. An elegant make-ahead appetizer or dessert bite that needs overnight chilling.

Three-ingredient peach conserve made with fresh peaches, sugar, and thinly sliced lemon simmered until thick and glossy. No pectin needed, just patience and ripe fruit for a pure, bright preserve.

A stovetop Christmas scent simmer pot with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, bay leaves, lemon, and orange slices. Fill your home with warm holiday fragrance all day long. Reusable for days.

What is cake flour? The other day I ran out of cake flour and needed a substitute, after searching and experimenting I came up with this replacement for cake flour that seems to work quite well.

Fat-free oatmeal cookies sweetened with mashed banana, applesauce, and brown sugar. No butter, no oil. Whole wheat flour and oats give them satisfying chew. Vegan-friendly with optional raisins and sesame.

Haselnussmakronen, traditional German hazelnut macaroons: a cocoa meringue folded with crushed hazelnuts and lemon zest, baked low into chewy, flourless cookies. A naturally gluten-free holiday treat.

Melomakarona (fenekia) are traditional Greek honey cookies made with orange juice, cognac, farina, and walnuts. Baked, dipped in warm honey syrup, and dusted with cinnamon.

Swedish sotsoppa (fruit soup) with tapioca pearls, prunes, golden raisins, boysenberries, orange, and cinnamon. Served warm or cold as a traditional Scandinavian dessert.

Copycat Red Lobster cheddar biscuits made with Bisquick, shredded cheddar cheese, and cold water, brushed with garlic-herb butter. Just 20 minutes from bowl to table.

A fizzy, non-alcoholic fall punch blending cranberry, apple, and orange juices with sparkling club soda. Garnished with orange slices and fresh cranberries. Low calorie and festive.

Use your leftover grilled pork tenderloin and onion marmalade to make this delicious and filling sandwich within no time.