No-Cook

Oreos have been popular since Nabisco introduced them in 1912, and they are still the best-selling cookie in the world. There are those folks who twist the cookies apart and eat the filling first, and those who dunk the entire Oreo into a big glass of ice-cold milk. In this recipe, Oreos make a great pie crust that's filled with cookies and cream ice cream. Die-hard fans won't think this dessert is overkill at all.

Many Americans first tasted this cold vegetable soup at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Gazpacho came into favor partly as a vehicle for showing off blenders, the popularity of which created a boom in recipes that called for liquefying ingredients. This recipe goes the Spanish classic one better with the addition of smoky chipotle chilies.

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.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Miso-Marinated Salmon with Cucumber-Daikon Relish.

Indian Spice Mix This recipe makes more garam masala than you'll need for the baked rice. You can use what's left over for other Indian dishes or to give everyday meals a flavor boost. It's great stirred into ground beef for burgers or rubbed onto skinless boneless chicken breasts. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

Complete this one with cherry tomatoes, potato chips, and lemonade.

Active time: 5 minutes Start to finish: 5 minuts

Yellow or white peaches work equally well.

Buttermilk and blue cheese make this slaw rich and tangy.

Seedless watermelons are on the market these days, but I prefer the old-fashioned ones with big black seeds — easy to see and remove. Then proceed with the recipe.

Peg Isherwood of Libertyville, Illinois, writes: "While in Christiansted, St. Croix, we dined at Kendrick's and had the most interesting gazpacho — it was spicy but not too hot, with lots of chopped vegetables. I met the owner, David Kendrick, the next morning and found him delightful. Would you ask him for the recipe?" This gazpacho has a chunkier texture than most (almost like a salsa). To chop the vegetables in a processor, cut them into quarters and process in batches, using on/off turns.

Fresh kernels of raw corn are so sweet and tender that they don't need to be cooked. Their natural sugars and crisp juiciness pair wonderfully with the salty Parmesan and peppery arugula.

Gulisa's Ajika This lively condiment goes nicely with grilled meats and fish as well as with pork stew.

Gin Thoke This salad is pungent, crunchy, intriguing, and addictive. Although served as a dessert in Myanmar, it is also a great accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or steak.