Recipe Sifter

Fresh asparagus and earthy morel mushrooms dressed in a wild mushroom vinaigrette celebrating the best of spring. Elegant first course that showcases seasonal ingredients with refined simplicity.

Crispy tofu and tender-crisp green beans tossed in a spicy hoisin chili sauce. This 30-minute Chinese vegetarian stir-fry is packed with savory heat and works beautifully over steamed rice.

Two-ingredient almond butter spread made with softened butter and almond extract. Stir together in minutes for a fragrant topping on toast, pancakes, or waffles.

Panzanella panini presses fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella with a splash of balsamic into a crisp, golden grilled sandwich. A warm, melty take on the classic Italian bread-and-tomato flavors.

Warm brie melted over fresh herb sprigs, scored in a diamond pattern and ringed with baby pear tomatoes. A quick microwave appetizer served with crusty French bread for scooping.

Brussels sprouts with toasted walnuts in browned butter and a whisper of nutmeg. Four ingredients, 20 minutes, the simple side dish that turns sprouts skeptics into believers.

Quick bread mix combines whole-wheat and all-purpose flours with baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt for a make-ahead 2½ cup pantry staple. Use in mango pecan, banana, or zucchini quick breads.

This is a fantastic sandwich recipe, very light and very tasty.

Mexican salsa fria is a no-cook cold salsa of ripe tomatoes, tomatillos, sweet Vidalia onion, and green chiles sharpened with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Bright, chunky, served icy cold.

Greek-style charoset with whole orange, dates, raisins, cherry preserves, sweet wine, and pine nuts. A Sephardic Passover recipe with warm spice and fruit.

Asparagus shrimp salad with herb dressing marinates plump shrimp and crisp-tender spears in a vinaigrette sharp with basil, oregano, and chervil. Cool, make-ahead salad served over lettuce with diced tomato and Monterey Jack.

Five-bean salad with green, navy, lima, garbanzo, and kidney beans tossed with bell pepper, celery, and onion in a sweet-tangy vinegar marinade. The make-ahead potluck classic, vegan friendly.

Filled tortillas are make-ahead pinwheel appetizers, flour tortillas spread with spiced cream cheese, jalapenos and black olives, then rolled, chilled and sliced into bite-size rounds. Crowd-pleasing party finger food.

Fennel, orange, and caper salad with fresh dill and a blended orange-Dijon vinaigrette. A crisp, no-cook Mediterranean salad ready in 20 minutes.

Manila Clams with Black Bean & Ginger Sauce recipe

The Gravy used to be made fresh with the Cracklings. Now it comes in a pouch and all you have to do is add water. Thank god for modified starch products.