The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Fresh and colorful, this vegetarian entrée is an ideal bring-along for a potluck supper. Quinoa, a delicate grain with a texture similar to that of couscous, cooks up in just 15 minutes. A complete protein, it's also nutritious. Look for it at supermarkets and natural foods stores. Smoked paprika can be found in the spice section of the supermarket.

Try this deliciously smoky side dish with grilled lamb chops.

Not to be confused with coconut milk, coconut water is the tart liquid found in the center of young coconuts.

Frozen açai puree is available in the freezer section of most supermarkets.

Fresh mint and lime juice add a bright finish to this drink.

Fresh ginger gives this a zesty kick.

A coating of egg and panko (rather than a heavy batter) makes these lighter than the average fish stick. Plus, they’re sautéed rather than deep-fried.

Making your own coarse fresh breadcrumbs takes just a minute; see "Test-Kitchen Tip" at the end of the recipe for the how-to.

See "Ingredient Tip" for information on buying pizza dough.

Thai red curry paste and unsweetened coconut milk are sold in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets and at Asian markets. Be sure what you're buying is coconut milk, not sweetened cream of coconut, which is used for cocktails.

Natural no-stir peanut butter is a special boon for those who like to bake with peanut butter. It's made without trans fats, yet stays smooth and doesn't separate, as most natural peanut butters do.

Brown sugar and butter form a caramelized crust on the French toast. Use a light-textured bread; for a special touch, top with mascarpone (see "Ingredient Tips").

Pancetta (Italian bacon) is available in the deli section of many markets.

Black pepper potato chips (use kettle-cooked, which are sturdier) are a surprising and delicious base for this starter.