Recipe Sifter

Thick, peppery cream gravy made from a butter or bacon fat roux, milk, and freshly cracked black pepper. Ready in 20 minutes and just right for smothering biscuits, fried chicken, or country-fried steak.

The sichuan sauce makes the tofu very flavorful, and the mushrooms absorb all the deliciousness and add great texture.

Pan de banano is a Latin-style banana bread with cinnamon, lemon juice, and ripe bananas baked into a tender quick bread loaf. A simpler, less-sweet take on the classic.

It's the season of Swiss chard and kale. We got lots of these fresh leafy greens from our CSA farm, and I was trying to come out an idea to use them up, surfing the internet, found a recipe in New York Times, it's a chard and feta phyllo tart. Definitely got the inspiration, I used both chard and kale, instead of feta, I used cheddar; and I sauteed some fresh mushrooms and added some toasted pine nuts, which worked very well. Also, I used a pie plate instead of a tart pan, and it was a great success, absolutely flavorful and delicious. The phyllo crust came out flaky and crispy. Have definitely become one of my signature recipes :)

Delicious roasted pumpkin seeds are also packed with goodness. Next time when you have some raw pumpkin seeds, don't throw them away. Make this yummy snack that is good for you!

Crunchy Waldorf-style salad with crisp apples, sweet grapes, celery, and walnuts in creamy yogurt-sour cream dressing for a lighter take on classic fruit salad.

Hearty and creamy grits in a slow cooker with corn and shrimp.

Very good and light. By using phyllo (filo) pastry instead of the traditional goopy pastry this recipe cuts down on the fat and yields more turkey flavor.

An easy to prep quiche with canned tuna. Sometimes easy is good.

Make your own bulk Italian sausage at home with ground pork, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and a bold garlic punch. Season it your way, skip the casings, and freeze in batches for pasta night, pizza, and more.

Make these quick and easy pancakes for breakfast or brunch, serve with fresh fruits or a refreshing salad.

Easy Chinese sesame beef strips and broccoli. With both stir-fry and microwave directions. Colorful with punchy Asian flavor.

T-3 cabbage diet soup combines cabbage, peppers, onions, celery, and tomatoes with onion soup mix. The classic low-calorie filling vegetable soup that became famous as the cabbage soup diet base.

Hotel Roanoke peanut soup, a legendary Virginia recipe with creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, and a bright squeeze of lemon. Rich, velvety, and uniquely Southern.

Oreo dirt cake is the no-bake party dessert that looks like a bucket of dirt, with crushed Oreos layered over a creamy cream cheese and vanilla pudding filling, topped with gummy worms. A guaranteed kids' party hit.

Pumpkin oat bran muffins: high-fiber, low-fat fall muffins sweetened with brown sugar, spiced with pumpkin pie spice, and lightened with egg whites. A wholesome breakfast or snack ready in 30 minutes.