Recipe Sifter

Curry-butter acorn squash crescents glazed with apple juice. A simple roasted side dish with warm spice and a hint of sweetness in 35 minutes.

Ribeye steaks dipped in melted butter and coated with a fiery three-pepper Cajun seasoning blend, then pan-seared in minutes. A quick blackened steak recipe with serious Louisiana heat.

Steamed ancient egg diamonds set fresh eggs, century (preserved) egg, and salted duck egg into one silky steamed custard, then cut into diamonds. A classic Chinese three-egg dish with a striking marbled look.

Steamed chickpeas soaked overnight and steamed until tender but chewy, seasoned with salt and garlic salt. A simple, high-protein vegetarian snack or side dish from dried beans.

Strawberry spread made with fresh strawberries, orange juice, orange zest, and a hint of coriander, set with gelatin. A low-sugar, no-cook jam alternative ready in a few hours.

Old-fashioned coconut fudge candy shaped into little haystacks. Brown sugar, butter, and shredded coconut cooked to soft-ball stage, then dropped onto wax paper. Makes about 60 pieces.

Stuffed cheese pizza: Chicago-style deep dish with whole wheat crust hiding mozzarella and broccoli between two layers, topped with pizza sauce at the end. Inside-out flavor.

Stuffed Chinese black mushrooms filled with seasoned crushed tofu, ginger, garlic, sesame, and scallion, then grilled or broiled. A vegan-friendly appetizer with earthy, umami-rich mushroom caps.

Four-ingredient stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan, chopped stems, green onions, and butter, broiled until golden and bubbly. Ready in 20 minutes, makes 30 bite-sized appetizers.

Stuffed summer squash halves filled with scooped squash flesh mixed with diced cheese and cream, topped with buttered bread crumbs and baked until golden. Simple, seasonal comfort food.

Flaky puff pastry twists layered with hazelnuts and sugar, baked golden, then painted with melted chocolate. An elegant 3-ingredient bakery-style treat ready in 25 minutes.

Old-school sugar-cured ham dry rub: salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. A three-ingredient Southern heirloom mix for curing fresh ham the traditional way at home.

Sugar puffs are crispy deep-fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. Made from a simple egg and flour dough rolled paper-thin.

Build-your-own summer salad with fresh veggies, marinated artichokes, avocado, sprouts, shrimp, bacon bits, and cheese. A flexible no-cook recipe you can customize with whatever is in season.

Oven-roasted spareribs glazed with a sweet soy and brown sugar sauce. Ribs steam tender under a covered roaster, then get basted with a sticky, caramelized glaze.

Russian-style fried batter puffs made from choux dough with a hint of orange zest, drizzled in warm honey and dusted with cinnamon. Light, airy, and crispy on the outside. Makes about 28 puffs in just 30 minutes.