Simmer

Becky Johnson of Nonesuch, Kentucky, asks, "Can you request the recipe for the tomato soup with garlic croutons from Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan? It’s a delicious reminder of a lunch I had there with friends."

Our food editors were evenly divided concerning which dipping sauce they preferred with the duck salad. Some liked the nuoc cham because of the depth of flavor imparted by the fish sauce; others leaned toward the sweetness and heat of the chile sauce. Make one or both, depending on your taste.

This is one of my favorite sauces: Its deep, purpley, cranberry color is reason enough for that designation, but then again so is the bright strawberry/kiwi/watermelon flavor, with its hints of the unbridled tropics. And the fact that you can tell your guests you're serving them cactus fruit (and that it is delicious) gives you a decidedly exotic edge. The puree is very watery, like watermelon juice, so in order to give the sauce some body but not take away all the fruit's freshness, I've directed you to rapidly boil down part of the puree with sugar, then cool it and add the remaining uncooked puree. This method works well with watermelon puree, too, should you not be able to find prickly pears. You will need about 3 cups seeded, pureed watermelon pulp.

This easy side dish pairs perfectly with our Pork Chops with Coriander-Cumin Spice Rub .

The delicately flavored fruit chayote is ubiquitous in the central highlands of Mexico. It varies greatly in size, ranges in color from white to dark green, and can have prickly or smooth skin. The variety most commonly available in the United States (also known as a vegetable pear or mirliton) has smooth, pale green skin that can be eaten but is sometimes removed.

Calabaza en Tacha Señora Consuelo de Mendoza There are many regional recipes for pumpkins cooked with raw sugar, either piloncillo in the form of cones, or panela, in thick rounds — the darker the color the richer the flavor. This recipe comes from the eastern part of Michoacán, where it is eaten preferably for breakfast with a glass of cold milk.

When hard-boiling eggs, it's important to do it perfectly, or the yolks will overcook and discolor. Follow these directions carefully. Use the paprika gingerly to dust very lightly!

This syrup is good to have on hand for making sorbets and certain cocktails. A plus: It keeps for a long time.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crown of Shrimp with Truffle Sauce .

Whole-wheat spaghetti can replace the soba noodles used here.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a nice touch, fold fresh raspberries into the mousse and garnish it with additional berries.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.