Recipe Sifter

Blender salsa with canned whole tomatoes, five jalapenos, cilantro, onion, and garlic powder. A chunky-smooth Mexican salsa with serious heat, ready in 10 minutes.

Grilled beef tenderloin steaks with a homemade BBQ spice rub of brown sugar, paprika, allspice, and dry mustard. Ready in 20 minutes with a smoky, caramelized crust.

Fluffy omelets stuffed with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and melted Monterey Jack, topped with fresh tomato jalapeno salsa. A loaded brunch for two in minutes.

5-minute Asian black bean marinade with fermented bean sauce, sesame oil, dry sherry, and mustard. Bold umami flavor for grilled chicken, lamb, or barbecue that transforms any protein.

Mom's hush puppies made with pancake mix and yellow cornmeal for crispy, golden deep-fried cornbread balls. Just four ingredients and ready in 20 minutes.

Grilled cheese sandwich with olivada: challah bread smeared with briny black olive paste, layered with Swiss cheese and optional tomato, grilled crisp. A Mediterranean twist on a classic.

Classic Caesar salad with a garlic-anchovy dressing emulsified in the food processor, crisp romaine, and grated Parmesan. A proper old-school Caesar done right.

Broiled red snapper on a cedar plank with lemon, paprika, and fresh vegetables. A dramatic presentation that sizzles straight from the broiler to the table.

Black bean salad with fresh orange segments, red and yellow bell peppers, jalapeno, and a cumin-lime dressing. A bright, no-cook vegetarian side in 20 minutes.

Classic homemade hummus with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and scallions, blended thick and creamy. Vegan Middle Eastern dip ready in 15 minutes.

Mexican cheese dip made in the microwave with cheddar, jalapenos, garlic, tomatoes, and a quick roux for thickness. A from-scratch queso dip ready in about 10 minutes, no Velveeta needed.

Quick tofu and broccoli stir-fry loaded with garlic, ginger, and a salty-sweet tamari glaze. Wok to plate in 15 minutes. A fast, protein-packed vegan weeknight dinner that rivals your favorite takeout.

Beau's notes: * There are no "jalapeno beans;" there are jalapeno peppers and pinto beans. I have two recipes, both of which are quite tref, but a Catholic should worry? But if you are hosting a Jewish person, smoked turkey will substitute most agreeably for the chazer called for in either recipe.]

Roasted leg of lamb on a bed of tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, garlic, and fresh rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Holiday-worthy roast with baby vegetables.

Mediterranean tomato salad with Vidalia onions, fresh herbs, and lemon dressing. Cilantro and mint brighten this Middle Eastern side. Serve with pita or as falafel topping.

Greek village salad (horiatiki) layers wedge-cut tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, green pepper, onion rings, and black olives under a sharp oregano-garlic vinaigrette. No lettuce, no fuss, all summer.