64 prodigy recipes

Classic pancakes from a small-batch base of flour, milk, egg and a touch of sugar. Tender, golden discs that hit the griddle in 20 minutes flat. The kind of weekend stack that needs only butter and maple syrup.

Sauerbraten pot roast marinated 4-10 days in malt vinegar and horseradish, then slow-braised with onions. A traditional German sour roast with tangy, fork-tender beef.

Classic eggplant Parmigiana with breaded and fried eggplant rounds layered with homemade tomato-basil sauce, Parmesan, and sliced mozzarella. The Italian-American staple done from scratch.

Cream of mushroom soup with nearly two pounds of fresh mushrooms, dry sherry, thyme, milk, and heavy cream. Rich, chunky, and homemade in 40 minutes.

Hamburgers au poivre take the French steak au poivre treatment and apply it to ground beef patties: black pepper-crusted burgers seared hard, served on a toasted bun with a red wine, Dijon, green peppercorn, and tarragon cream sauce.

A savory bean and ham soup that is simmered to perfection in your crockpot or slow cooker.

Herbed chickpea patties blended with egg whites, bread crumbs, dry mustard, oregano, and basil, pan-fried on a nonstick griddle. Low-fat vegetarian fritters similar to falafel but lighter and easier to make.

Lentil pasta sauce: hearty meatless tomato sauce with lentils, oregano, and a kick of hot sauce, perfect for vegan or vegetarian pasta night. Protein-rich alternative to classic meat ragu.

Oprah's mock Caesar salad lightens up the classic with a no-egg, no-anchovy dressing built on lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic. Romaine and Belgian endive, ready in 10 minutes and naturally low-fat.

Practically fat-free York gingerbread bars made with pureed carrots, buttermilk, fresh ginger, and molasses. No butter, no oil. Moist crumb with bright orange zest and a cinnamon-sugar top.

Vegan split pea soup: green split peas simmered with celery, carrot, onion, potato, and herbs into a thick, hearty bowl finished with frozen sweet peas and a splash of tamari. No ham needed.

Vegan lemon garlic dressing with cucumber, onion, apple cider vinegar, dill, and celery seeds blended smooth. An oil-free, fat-free salad dressing that keeps well in the fridge.

A refreshing vegan brown rice salad tossed with fruit cocktail, tomato, celery, and green onions in a tangy tarragon-Dijon vinaigrette. Light, nutty, and naturally sweet.

Low-fat lentil loaf with tomato sauce and green bell pepper, bound with egg whites and saltine crackers. A hearty vegetarian meatloaf alternative packed with plant protein.

Vegan unstuffed bell pepper soup with brown basmati rice, tomato paste, and loads of diced peppers in a savory tamari broth. All the flavors of stuffed peppers without the stuffing.

Mexican red onion soup slow-caramelized with cumin, coriander, oregano, allspice, and cinnamon, brightened with orange juice and red wine vinegar. A spice-warmed take on French onion.