Summer

Using soy lecithin-free chocolate is essential; the additive will cause the base to separate (we learned this the hard way). We developed this recipe using Alter Eco Dark Blackout Chocolate.

For an even deeper, nutty flavor, toast the cashews first (or buy them that way, but make sure they’re unsalted). Skeptical? Think hazelnut coffee, but with cashews instead.

Bacon and cream gild this ultra-rich corn chowder recipe, but it easily goes vegetarian if you want it to.

This colorful salad packs a bit of heat by adding the jalapeño; it balances out the cooler flavors, but feel free to omit it.

Lining the toasted, buttered bun with lettuce might seem controversial, but it provides both crunch and a waterproof barrier that keeps the bread from sogging out.

There’s no law that says watermelon salads must incorporate feta. This renegade combination is at once sweet, tart, and savory—the kind of dish that’s as comfortable at the breakfast table as it is at a potluck.

A cool green zingy soup; pack it in a thermos on ice and take it picnicking or to the beach.

This thin red sauce gets its name since you can frequently brush or "mop" it onto a variety of foods for an extra kick of spice.

Once you get hooked on fresh chiles, you'll want to pack them into everything you cook—including your antipasto.

Watermelon and prosciutto may seem like an unlikely pair, but the salty-sweet mix will make this your new go-to fruit salad.

This bean salad is taken to new, luxurious levels with the addition of eggs, anchovies, and your favorite summer squash.

Chiles and pineapple? Believe it or not, this sweet/spicy mix is insanely refreshing in drink form.

When you're working with chiles, you should be wearing rubber gloves. Sound funny? Well, it won't after you accidentally touch your eyes.

Progression of a tomato sandwich: On buttered bread with salt; on bread with mayo and cheddar; seasoned and grilled with cheddar and mayo. They’re all pretty perfect, but we’ll take the advanced version, thanks.

Use any stone fruit you like, alone or in a combination.

These shishito peppers, along with spicy mayo, nori sheets, and sesame seeds, help make up the Shishito Dog. But you can use this recipe to make delicious blistered peppers that you can use alongside just about anything.

Sardines can be a hard sell. Which is fine! Smoked trout, gravlax, or even grilled shrimp would be great too.

This twist on the traditional Italian peperonata omits the tomatoes, but the bell peppers are hearty and colorful enough on their own. Serve as a side dish or pour over steak.

This corn salsa, along with mayonnaise and tomatillos, helps make up the Elote Dog.