Epicurious

You can use Meyer lemons in this cake for a lighter, more floral flavor.

Once you master a basic vinaigrette, the variations are virtually endless. For example, a little bit of prepared mustard mixed with the vinegar boosts flavor and allows emulsification. Experiment with different combinations of vinegars and oils — and with adding herbs and spices. To make a citronette, substitute lemon juice for the proportion of vinegar.

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.

This recipe was given to me by one of my favorite farmers at my local market in Louviers, Normandy.

Fermented black beans are an essential ingredient to this soup. I couldn't find exactly the kind of beans Kunkhen used, so I settled for a prepared black bean garlic sauce, which was perfect and gave the soup the same earthy taste that Kunkhen's had. I recommend that if you are using black beans you begin by adding 5 teaspoons, then taste the soup for seasoning. If it needs more flavor, add more black beans. The tablespoon of black bean garlic sauce was perfect to season this amount of soup.