Recipe Sifter

Chilled strawberry soup blended with red wine, plain yogurt, and sugar. A no-cook summer dessert soup that chills overnight for deep berry flavor.

Sea bass fillets soaked in cumin-spiced milk, topped with a cilantro and green chile sauce, then baked in foil packets. Mexican-style fish that stays flaky and moist every time.

Italian-style tomato sauce simmered with kelp seaweed (alaria or laminaria), garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire. A mineral-rich, umami-packed sauce for spaghetti, meatballs, or browned meat.

Cold seafood dip built on the surprise of sea cucumber, blended into a fluffy mix of cream cheese and whipped heavy cream. Three ingredients, served chilled with potato chips or crackers.

Sesame biscotti with toasted sesame seeds baked into a crisp, twice-baked Italian cookie. Low-fat with no butter or oil, just eggs and vanilla. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.

Crispy deep-fried shark bites marinated in lemon, white wine, and garlic, breaded and served with Creole mustard or tartar sauce. A Gulf Coast appetizer with serious crunch and attitude.

Wild rice cooked in cream sherry mingles with sweet roasted chestnuts and sautéed vegetables in this elegant stuffing that brings sophistication to your holiday turkey.

Shrimp porcupines: large shrimp wrapped in shaggy kataifi pastry threads and fried golden, served on a bed of bright purple cabbage-mayonnaise sauce. A showstopping appetizer with serious crunch.

Cajun-style shrimp soup simmered in chicken broth with dry white wine, Louisiana hot sauce, scallions, and fresh parsley. A spicy, brothy bowl with bold Southern kick.

Smashed spiced sweet potatoes are oven-roasted whole, then smashed rustic-chunky with butter, maple syrup, chili powder, cumin, and ginger. A warm-spiced holiday side that beats marshmallow casseroles.

Boiled shrimp marinated overnight in a fiery herb oil with hot sauce, Old Bay, garlic, basil, oregano, and thyme. A bold, zesty appetizer that feeds a crowd. Makes 25.

Whole smoked trout on a charcoal grill with lemon and lime slices in the cavity. Low and slow over soaked wood chips for flaky, smoky fish with minimal effort.

Thick, hearty lentil soup with chunks of smoked sausage, potatoes, carrots and a surprising strip of orange zest that brightens the whole pot. A filling main-course bowl ready in about 80 minutes.

Classic snickerdoodles rolled in cinnamon sugar with a tangy cream of tartar dough. Soft, chewy cookies with crinkled tops and a sparkly cinnamon crust that flatten as they bake.

Sole fillets rolled around crab, baked under a classic Mornay sauce with sauteed mushrooms and artichoke hearts. Make-ahead elegant seafood casserole.

Easy apple bundt cake with cinnamon-layered fresh apples, orange juice, and no eggs or butter. A one-bowl brunch cake that looks impressive with minimal fuss.