402 plain recipes

Mini florentines, lacy caramel cookies studded with hazelnuts, cherries, and candied peel, baked thin and crisp, then coated underneath with dark and white chocolate combed into the classic wavy pattern.

Simple 3-ingredient breakfast parfait with cottage cheese or yogurt, fresh fruit, and wheat germ. A 5-minute high-protein breakfast or snack for busy mornings.

Low-fat ricotta cheesecake with ginger and nutmeg on a Grape Nuts crust, set with agar instead of eggs. A no-bake, lighter cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries.

Fresh quartered strawberries topped with a silky blended sauce of low-fat yogurt, raspberry jam, powdered sugar, and orange zest. A low-fat, 10-minute dessert that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Aran Spiosrai is a traditional Irish spice bread with raisins, candied fruit, golden syrup, and mixed spice baked low and slow in a loaf pan. It actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.

A tropical blueberry passion fruit smoothie with banana, yogurt, and toasted wheat germ. Thick, creamy, and naturally sweetened with honey. Serves 4 in under 5 minutes.

Golden cream puffs filled with tangy vanilla custard and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Three components, one spectacular from-scratch dessert.

A flourless chocolate mousse cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, served with fresh raspberries and mascarpone. Just 6 ingredients and no flour needed for this elegant dessert.

French-style prune and Armagnac cake with a cornmeal crumb, yogurt for moisture, and a boozy glaze from the prune soaking liquid. Rustic and elegant.

Cucumber dip with pita crisps is a light yogurt and sour cream dip with shredded cucumber, garlic, mint, and cilantro. Served with homemade whole wheat pita chips. Ready in 25 minutes.

Curried Waldorf salad reworks the classic with yogurt, a whisper of curry powder, orange segments, crunchy toasted walnuts, and golden raisins. A lighter take on the retro lunch staple.

My version of Bobby Flay's very distinctive southwestern, egg-less potato salad from his restaurant, Mesa Grill. Make sure you pour the sauce over the potatoes while they're still warm to ensure the flavors soak in. This salad goes nicely with grilled meat, poultry or seafood.

Creamy cucumber dressing with garlic, chives, parsley, light mayo, and yogurt. A cool, tangy salad dressing that doubles as a dip for vegetables.

Microwave poached pears glazed with orange marmalade, brown sugar, and citrus zest, served chilled with a creamy yogurt sauce. A light, elegant fruit dessert.

Pork Normande for one with tenderloin braised in apple juice, sliced apples, and onion, finished with brandy and yogurt. A classic French single-serving dinner.

Apple topped cake with whole wheat flour, honey, egg whites, and yogurt in the batter, crowned with sliced apples and a cinnamon-sugar drizzle. A lighter bake.