Recipe Sifter

Golden onion quiche built on a full pound of slow-caramelized onions and sharp Gruyere, suspended in a heavy-cream custard. French bistro flavor, deeply savory, and worth every minute of stirring.

Macadamia nut banana bread loaded with mashed bananas and chopped macadamias for a Hawaiian-inspired twist on the classic. Makes two large loaves, five small ones, or a dozen oversize muffins.

Swedish spice cake (Mjuk Pepparkaka) with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom, studded with raisins and nuts. A soft, aromatic Scandinavian holiday classic.

Gingerbread bear cookies bake molasses-spiced rolled cookies with ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Painted with royal icing for a holiday tradition kids adore.

Granny's chicken and sausage gumbo, built on a deep brown roux and loaded with okra, smoky sausage, and tender chicken. Thickened twice with okra and file, simmered low, and ladled over hot rice.

Frozen grasshopper ice cream pie with a chocolate wafer crust, vanilla ice cream layer, and a fluffy mint-and-chocolate liqueur topping. Boozy retro showstopper that's made days ahead.

Classic Scandinavian gravlax cured with kosher salt, sugar, crushed white peppercorns, and fresh dill. No cooking required. The salmon cures in the fridge for 48 to 72 hours under a weighted press.

Fire-roasted poblano chiles line a pie pan and cradle a creamy filling of Monterey Jack, eggs, garlic, and homemade crema fresca. A savory Mexican chile pie baked golden.

Rich chocolate cake made with a full cup of cocoa bloomed in boiling water, plus a strawberry shortcake variation with whipped cream and drizzled melted chocolate.

Greek Christmas bread (Christopsomo) with cardamom, golden raisins, walnuts, and whole wheat flour. A fragrant, round holiday loaf shaped by hand and baked golden.

Green garlic chili: a Southwestern-style stew built on whole cloves of mellowed garlic, fresh green chiles, and tangy green tomatoes simmered with tender beef. No beans, no tomato sauce, just deep savory heat.

Green rice made with wild rice and brown rice cooked in chicken broth, then tossed with sauteed green pepper, scallions, parsley, and garlic. All done in the microwave for a hands-off side dish.

Fresh homemade egg pasta dough blends all-purpose and semolina flour with three eggs for a golden, slightly toothsome noodle. Roll through a pasta machine and cut into spaghetti, fettuccine, or whatever shape your day calls for.

Grilled beef kababs marinated 12 hours in soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and mustard. Skewered with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and onion over hot coals.

Grilled chicken breast sandwiches stacked with smoky home-roasted red peppers, peppery arugula, ripe tomato, and a tangy Dijon-mayo sauce on toasted bread. The marinade does its work overnight.

Grilled chicken kabobs marinated in soy, mustard, and Worcestershire, then skewered with zucchini, peppers, onion, and mushrooms. Simple backyard dinner with big flavor.