5 reck recipes

Galveston rub: a wet Texas Gulf Coast paste of crushed garlic, cayenne, paprika, and lemon juice for poultry and pork. Four ingredients, ten minutes, makes about ⅓ cup.

Ostrich, firstly, is actually a very tasty meat. It tastes somewhat like chicken...lol! Ok, it doesn't taste like chicken, but I couldn't resist the temptation. It is a very lean meat, possibly more lean than beef (therefore a fairly good alternative for those on some form of low cholesterol diet).And lastly, and most importantly, this cut of meat is an inexpensive alternative to the more luxurious ox tail that we seem to reserve for graduations and wedding rehearsals.

Pickled eggs in beet brine and pickling spice that turn deep purple as they sit. Pennsylvania Dutch porch classic ready after two weeks in the fridge.

Double-deck chocolate cake with a devil's food crust, melted chocolate chip layer, chocolate-spiked white cake, and whipped cream topping. Two cake mixes, one show-stopping dessert.

Festive three-layer holiday dip with green guacamole, white sour cream, and red salsa for a Christmas-colored appetizer. Three ingredients, zero cooking, ready in minutes.