Recipe Sifter

A savory and hearty stew made with okra, juicy tomatoes, corn and potatoes.

This cake won me First Prize at the county fair last year. It is very chocolaty.

Silky Mexican flan baked in homemade caramel with cinnamon-infused milk, whole eggs, and extra yolks for richness. A traditional custard dessert that's slow-baked in a water bath until set like velvet.

Over here, and in England, these are just called "muffins", and are the ones in the song about the Muffin Man who lives in Drury Lane. They did actually sell them door-to-door every morning in London until the turn of the century or thereabouts.

Try this neat treat that is perfect for Christmas and is sure to bring family and friends together.

Osso bucco in bianco, the white Milanese version braised in white wine without tomato. Veal shanks go fall-off-the-bone tender, finished with fresh lemon zest and parsley gremolata.

Rich and not-too sweet, this quick bread is great for an afternoon snack with a steaming cup of tea! Makes 2 loaves

Whole wheat bread (also called graham bread) makes three small loaves with a milk-based dough, a hot oven, and a soft, hearty crumb. A heritage yeast bread for sandwiches and toast.

Rich, dairy-free chocolate ice cream made with full-fat coconut milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Vegan-friendly, deeply fudgy, and scoopable straight from the freezer.

Homemade peach ice cream with fresh chopped peaches folded into a microwave-thickened custard base of milk, half-and-half, sugar and egg. Smooth, scoopable and a Southern summer ritual.

Mexican chicken chili blends home-ground chicken breast with a little lean beef, simmered low and slow with warm spices and tomatoes. Topped with avocado, a dollop of yogurt, and fresh cilantro for a lighter bowl.

Milk chocolate orange truffles with fresh orange zest, heavy cream ganache, and a chocolate dipping shell. The classic confection that tastes like a Terry's Chocolate Orange.

Summer blueberry tart, a French-style dessert with a buttery pate brisee crust and a filling that's half cooked blueberry glaze, half fresh berries, for vivid flavor and a clean slice. Lovely with creme fraiche.

Grandma Cottington's pumpkin pie is a heritage Thanksgiving classic: flaky butter-and-lard double crust, custardy pumpkin filling with cream, molasses, cinnamon, and allspice. Yields 2 pies.

Bittersweet chocolate truffles: silky ganache centers spiked with liqueur, hand-rolled and double-dipped in tempered bittersweet chocolate. Holiday gift-box candy made at home.

Pineapple sorbet: pure ripe pineapple pureed with simple syrup, brightened by lemon juice, and frozen into a smooth, scoopable tropical ice. No ice cream maker required.