Scallion

Fresh mint makes this starter all the more cooling. Use Haas avocados for the creamiest texture. What to drink: Throughout the meal, go with the classics — beer and Margaritas.

The long noodles in this soup — representing longevity — are meant to be slurped up. In Chinese culture, cutting them would symbolize cutting one's life short. This recipe requires a whole chicken for its rich broth and makes double the quantity necessary. Reserve 1/2 cup stock for the Broccoli Spears in Garlic Sauce and freeze the remainder. After setting aside the breast meat for the soup, save the rest of the chicken for another dish. The reserved cilantro leaves can be used for the Steamed Striped Bass with Ginger and Scallions. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 3/4 hr

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Alongside this colorful main course, offer simple side dishes like white rice mixed with black beans, and steamed chunks of zucchini. Holiday cookies from the bakery top off the meal nicely.

(Spicy Baked Chicken Wings)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This cool salsa is the ideal accompaniment for grilled shrimp.

Feta cheese, cucumber, tomato and fresh dell enliven this simple salad.

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili oil used. Serve with swordfish, tuna or fried wonton chips.

Fragrant five-spice powder enhances the Asian accent in this marinade. Use it to marinate beef or chicken, and brush with the marinated while grilling. It is also delicious with seafood, but only needs to be brushed on during grilling. The recipe makes enough to marinate one pound of meat, poultry or seafood, with some left over to pass alongside. Any marinade coming in contact with raw meat, seafood or poultry must be boiled for one minute before using it for basting.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

In classic Chinese cooking, noodles destined for soup are cooked separately and added at the last minute so that the starch from the pasta doesn't cloud the broth. Because we were aiming for a rib-sticking dish, we broke with tradition and cooked the noodles right in the stock, allowing the starch to thicken the soup slightly.

Use a cast-iron skillet or other heavy skillet to make this recipe. Serve the bubbling cheese right from the pan, and partner the whole meal with icy Margaritas.

Toasted sesame seeds and sautéed green onions add zip to these moist muffins. Serve them on their own or with butter and honey.