Gourmet

Roasting the garlic mellows the flavor, which results in an aioli that is less pungent than traditional ones. Besides enhancing the taste of Cornish hens, this makes a perfect accompaniment to vegetables, lamb, and fish, and it's great as a dip.

Watermelon chunks in savory salads have been all the rage in the past few years, but we wanted a way to retain the fruit's best trait: how enjoyable it is to eat out of hand on a hot day. These wedges, sprinkled with salt, pepper, cheese, and heady fresh mint, are a light, refreshing start to a warm-weather meal. And they leave your other hand free to hold a drink or chase after the kids.

This version of the Italian classic is an irresistible mix of crusty-chewy bread cubes and colorful roasted vegetables, all bathed in a lusty balsamic vinaigrette. Be sure to use a good-quality French-style baguette, as a lesser bread won't keep its texture.

Roasting the chickens and using both dark and white meat results in chicken salad with deep flavor. (Buying rotisserie chickens will cut down on the timing, but be sure to choose minimally seasoned birds.) Fennel, standing in for the usual celery, along with fennel seed and fresh basil, adds an unexpected note of sophistication.

Toss aside the mashed potatoes and welcome this appealing alternative, a spirited mix of zucchini, tender sautéed bell pepper, and refreshing scallions.

Wild rice has an affinity for fish, and we think it's particularly good alongside tender pieces of smoked salmon. Crisp snow peas and wedges of hard-boiled egg round out the salad, and a refreshing dill vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.

If you remember drinking Orange Julius, this shake will strike a chord.

Pleasantly pungent with a touch of heat, this classic spring roll sauce also works well with the chicken satés.

The nutty flavor and firm bite of wheat berries make them a perfect addition to salads. Paired with roasted red peppers, smoked chicken, and hazelnuts, they make for a remarkably satisfying meal.

This frozen dessert, based on the sweet flavors of Vietnamese coffee, will have adults clamoring like children. Each slice delivers an over-the-top mix of ice cream, fudge, and cookie crust.

A simple seasoning of salt and pepper leaves this steak ready for an assertive horseradish sauce. It's a great, simple choice for a special occasion.

We are happy to announce that Marla Orenstein has won our February 2006 "Cook the Cover" contest with her delicious variation on our Chocolate-Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake. Marla Orenstein explains her variation:
To me, this rich, heavy chocolate dessert is enhanced with the addition of a complementary tart or sour taste. In this recipe, I have added a new layer—a reduction of sour cherry jam mixed with balsamic vinegar and brandy—between the chocolate shortbread and the chocolate mousse. I find the taste of the whole cake to be more complex and enjoyable as a result.

We are happy to announce that Megan Gill-Kopp has won our September Cook the Cover contest with her delicious recipe for Mexican Turtle Chocolate Mink. I have made some simple changes to create a Mexican twist to Gourmet's Chocolate Mink recipe. I have added cinnamon to the chocolate batter. In addition, I have topped the dessert with a Mexican caramel, cajeta, and toasted pecans. Living in San Diego has opened my eyes, and taste buds, to the wonderful flavors of Mexican cuisine. I couldn't help adding some of those flavors to this recipe. Editors' Note: Cajeta (goat's milk caramel) is available at many supermarkets, some Latino markets and specialty foods shops, and from amazon.com.

The olive-oil-glazed potatoes make a perfect accompaniment to this dish.

The prototype for this wonderfully tangy sorbet was discovered in Hua Hin, Thailand, where we tasted a hibiscus sorbet made by chef David Bedinghaus at the Anantara Resort & Spa.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Potato, Pepper, and Chorizo Empanadas .

This dough is based on one from Chris Bianco, chef of Pizzeria Bianco, that ran in our October 1999 issue. It is an accompaniment for Eggplant, Tomato, and Fontina Pizza .

This classic pastry dough works well for both savory and sweet pies.