Jalapeño

This would be nice with any roasted meat.

The signature dish at Américas in Houston. Achiote paste adds earthy flavor and deep red color to the shrimp.

Peg Isherwood of Libertyville, Illinois, writes: "While in Christiansted, St. Croix, we dined at Kendrick's and had the most interesting gazpacho — it was spicy but not too hot, with lots of chopped vegetables. I met the owner, David Kendrick, the next morning and found him delightful. Would you ask him for the recipe?" This gazpacho has a chunkier texture than most (almost like a salsa). To chop the vegetables in a processor, cut them into quarters and process in batches, using on/off turns.

Gulisa's Ajika This lively condiment goes nicely with grilled meats and fish as well as with pork stew.

Gaeng Pah Muu Most curries from southern Thailand use coconut milk. This one, from the mountainous north, doesn't, because the climate is too temperate for coconut palms to survive. Don't be intimidated by the start-to-finish time; the curry paste and chicken stock can be made days ahead. Once you have those components at hand, the recipe only takes about 1 hour to put together. If you prefer your food less spicy, use the smaller amounts of curry paste and vegetable oil. Active time: 3 1/4 hr Start to finish: 7 1/4 hr (includes making curry paste and stock)

Cornmeal gives these blini a slightly crunchy texture that is perfect with the salsa.

When sweet, succulent jumbo crabmeat comes into season, this is an incredibly simple, light, and refreshing first course that requires no cooking. It can also be used as a main course for a summer luncheon.

If you'd like to make the jalapeño-lime butter one day ahead, use a broiler or gas burner to char the chiles and save the grill prep for the corn.

The salsa should be very fresh. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, just do not combine them more than 2 hours prior to serving. Also, never spoon the salsa atop the tuna until just before serving.

This recipe was created to accompany Garlic Dijon Skirt Steak. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to accompany Poached Loin of Lamb . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Pesto is, of course, a great sauce for pasta, and this topping is also good on steamed vegetables and grilled meats. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

From Ristorante Chianti, Geneva, Illinois.