Recipe Sifter

Bananas in Phyllo Nests serves warm banana slices in an orange-Grand Marnier syrup spooned into crispy phyllo shells. An elegant 20-minute dessert for entertaining that looks far harder than it is.

Crisp Belgian endive leaves loaded two ways: smoked salmon with creamy Taleggio and fennel, or bresaola with roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. No-cook Italian appetizers in 20 minutes.

Beef and mushroom stir-fry with bell pepper, snow peas, water chestnuts, and a soy-cornstarch glaze. A 30-minute Chinese-American weeknight dinner served over hot rice.

Toasted bread rounds topped with melted ham and cheddar, a dab of mango chutney, Parmesan, and a hit of paprika. Broiled until bubbly. A sweet-savory party appetizer ready in 15 minutes.

Rio Grande-style biscocitos with butter, anise seed, and brandy, dusted in cinnamon sugar before baking. Crisp, fragrant, and easy to cut into festive shapes. Makes 3 dozen.

No-cook black bean fiesta salad with corn, red peppers, red onion, and jalapeño in a zesty lime-cilantro-cumin dressing. Vegetarian, vibrant, and feeds a crowd in 20 minutes.

Blueberry drop cookies fold fresh blueberries and bright lemon zest into a soft cake-style dough, then bake into pillowy, fruit-studded rounds. A summer cookie that's halfway to a muffin top.

Southern boiled custard eggnog made from scratch with 8 egg yolks, cream, vanilla, and nutmeg. Spiked with whiskey or served virgin, this silky holiday drink serves 12.

Crunchy cabbage slaw with shredded carrot, green pepper, and currants in a tangy vinegar-mayo dressing with celery seed. Light, crisp, and better after a good chill.

Braised Belgian endive with diced Red Delicious apple, walnut oil, lemon juice, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. A light, elegant, low-calorie side dish in 15 minutes.

Buttered rum sauce with fresh pineapple chunks in a brown sugar syrup. Dark rum and butter combine with caramelized pineapple for a warm dessert topping that keeps a week.

Creamy caramel custard (flan) made with cream cheese, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla, baked in a water bath over caramelized sugar. Lighter with fat-free milks.

Soft, cake-like carrot cookies with pureed carrots, golden raisins, orange zest, and cinnamon. Tender drop cookies that taste like miniature carrot cake bites. Comes together in 30 minutes flat.

This mousse is different from sweet cheese mousse, I do prefer this one!

Hearty cheese vegetable chowder loaded with cabbage, peas, carrots, and creamed corn in a sharp cheddar broth. One pot, 30 minutes, and thick enough to stand a spoon in.

Cherry cream frosting made with maraschino cherries and juice for natural pink color and sweet cherry flavor. A 5-minute powdered sugar icing for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.