Tomato

The following Bloody Mary recipe is based on a spicy tequila-chaser from Mexico called sangrita, which is usually made with the juices of tomatoes and oranges and sometimes other fruit. Adding to our variation's international flavor, Scandinavian aquavit takes the place of vodka or gin.

The classic Hungarian dish relies on sour cream both to thicken the sauce and to balance the heat of the paprika.

Canela, a Latin American cousin of cinnamon, is a leading player in this sauce. Once used by affluent Romans in love potions and perfumes, the spice, derived from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen, is hugely popular in New World cuisine, in everything from soups to desserts. This recipe is a component of Grill-Roasted Rack of Lamb in Red Mole .

Criolla is traditionally served as a sauce for grilled meats, but we tossed it with bell peppers as an accompaniment or side dish. If you're making this with the Spinach and Carrot Stuffed Flank Steak, grill the bell peppers before you start cooking the steak.

Serve this with a basket of crusty bread.

An easy version of the famous Cobb salad.

Creamy fresh cheese meets spinach in this Indian classic.

Purchased wonton wrappers stand in for fresh pasta in this easy recipe.

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

Leaves of thyme combine with tomatoes to create an instant sauce in this dish. The foil-packet cooking method produces wonderfully flavorful juices; serve the fish over rice to savor every last drop.

A popular salad on the island of Pantelleria.

These no-bake bites can be made two hours ahead and are designed to taste best at room temperature, making them perfect for parties.