Garlic

Hummus, a dip/spread traditional in many Middle Eastern countries, is usually made with chick-peas (garbanzo beans), but we use white beans for a change of pace. It is delicious with steamed potatoes and artichokes as well as blanched broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.

This dough is moist, so it should be made in a heavy-duty electric mixer.

This clever combination of tastes and textures features hominy, cilantro, jicama, jalapeños, lime juice and cumin.

The grill-and a dash of roasted garlic oil-give the asparagus terrific flavor without adding much fat.

Skillet cakes make from grains are popular at reatautants across the country. This recipe has a great do-ahead hint - the cakes can be prepared hours before they're cooked. And they are a good way to use leftover risotto.

Thai red chilies are used at Keo's, but a sliced jalapeño chili will work just as well.

This chicken is nice for an outdoor meal — grill some corn alongside, and set out a bowl of coleslaw. Or broil the chicken, boil the corn, and serve it all indoors. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

This recipe was created to accompany Sauteed Sea Bass.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Arugula adds zip to this creamy risotto.

Using such a tender cut of beef reduces the stew's cooking time.

Kari and Brian Chase of St. Paul, Minnesota say that their neighborhood has a great restaurant: 128 Cafe. The last time they were there they tried a delicious appetizer of crisp bread with roasted garlic, goat cheese and apple chutney.

There are many different versions of this traditional island dish, which is known as sopas mallorquínas. Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) is distinctive and worth seeking out for its unique flavor.