Recipe Sifter

Texas-style basting sauce with butter, bacon drippings, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Makes 3.5 cups, enough to mop a whole 5-pound brisket through a long, slow smoke.

A quick and delicious one-pan meal fills you up with sausage, mushrooms, bacon, potatoes and eggs. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or steamed rice.

Mashed chickpeas mixed with Italian dressing and garlic powder for a 5-minute vegetarian sandwich spread. Pile it on toasted whole wheat with lettuce and tomato.

Steamed zucchini and yellow squash rounds with garlic, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. A fast, diabetic-friendly side dish with only 29 calories per serving.

Sweet and sour tempeh deep-fried in cornstarch coating and tossed in a honey-soy-tahini sauce with ginger. A crispy, tangy vegetarian main served over rice or pasta.

Moist carrot muffins featuring chopped apricots and avocado oil.

Stir-fried chicken and chow mein noodles with mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, and ginger in a savory soy-oyster sauce, topped with crunchy peanuts. Ready in 25 minutes.

Whole fish sauteed in coconut milk with green pepper, tomato, and celery. A Caribbean-style pescado guisado that's simple, fragrant, and ready in 30 minutes.

Quick Indonesian pickled mushrooms in cumin-spiced vinegar with shallots. This tangy condiment takes 30 minutes and adds bright acidity to rice dishes and grilled meats.

A delicious dip made with marshmallow topping and cream cheese that tastes great with any kind of fruit you like.

No-cook cheesecake dip with cream cheese, whipping cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, brandy-soaked raisins, and mini chocolate chips. Whips up in 10 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or just a spoon.

German-style cabbage fruit salad with shredded cabbage, diced apple, and raisins in a tangy sour cream dressing with pineapple juice. A crunchy no-cook side dish served chilled.

No-bake snow balls made with peanut butter, crisp rice cereal, and chopped nuts, rolled in powdered sugar and coconut. Holiday-ready cookie tray candy ready in 20 minutes.

Indian lassi panna cotta: silky Italian-style set cream infused with cardamom and rose water, topped with crushed pistachios and toasted coconut. A cross-cultural make-ahead dessert.

Black tea smoked chicken: Sichuan-and-five-spice-rubbed thighs hot-smoked over rice, black tea, and brown sugar, then tucked into lettuce cups with peanuts, scallion, and a soy-ginger glaze. An impressive, gluten-free-friendly appetizer.

Creamy cucumber dressing with nonfat yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and white pepper. Light, tangy, and cool. A falafel-friendly dressing that doubles as a fresh salad topper.