Scallion

Serve this quick stir-fry with rice.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Begin with melon slices and prosciutto; alongside the soup, serve baguette slices with a garlic and herb cheese spread, then offer macaroons and apricots afterward.

Pressing potatoes through a food mill or ricer gives them a fabulous texture. But they're just as delicious simply mashed.

Using canned black beans makes this soup a snap to prepare. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Many southerners object to the practice of adding sugar to corn bread, but associate food editor Alexis Touchet, who grew up in Louisiana, is all for it. Sugar, in fact, is listed as an optional ingredient in the recipe for "pain de maïs nonpareil" in The Picayune's Creole Cook Book, first published in 1901. It's important here that your cast-iron skillet is well seasoned and thoroughly preheated—you want the batter to sizzle when you pour it in.

Slices of Manchego drizzled with fruity olive oil are a mainstay of tapas bars, and this recipe takes that delicious tradition one step further. Begin making this one day before you plan to serve it.

The green onion oil that is brushed on the custard cups becomes a topping once the eggs are turned out.

The wasabi powder, which can be found in the spice aisle or Asian foods section of most supermarkets, gives the crust a spicy kick. Serve with: Packaged Asian rice pilaf enlivened with a bit of lemon peel, and green beans sprinkled with sesame seeds. Dessert: Tapioca pudding.

Shredded iceberg lettuce topped with ranch dressing is the perfect side dish. End with scoops of lime sorbet drizzled with tequila and sprinkled with lime peel. Canned chipotle chilies are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores, and some supermarkets.