
Crepes with Maple-Walnut Praline and Crème Fraîche
The praline is also great on its own as a snack; it would be an excellent gift.
Chili-Cheese Sloppy Joes
A quick chili becomes the topping for these messy open-face sandwiches.
Steamed Clams with Spicy Italian Sausage and Fennel
This impressive dish requires very little prep work, and the whole thing is cooked in just one pan. Serve with toasted slices of crusty bread.
White Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake Bars
To make curls, soften a chocolate bar briefly in the microwave and run a vegetable peeler along one long side.
Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Bacon and Marjoram
Crème fraîche—a French heavy cream that's slightly sour—can be found in the dairy section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.
Nectarine and Almond Crisp
Top with ice cream, lightly sweetened créme fraîche, or whipped cream.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese and Kalamata Dressing
Mizuna (a Japanese salad green) is available spring through summer at specialty foods stores and Asian markets. If you can't find it, use mixed greens instead.
Open-Face Chicken Burgers with Basil Mayonnaise
For tender burgers, gently combine and shape the chicken mixture.
Curried Trout with Chutney and Cucumber-Melon Raita
Raita is India's signature yogurt and vegetable condiment. This one would also be good on pita or naan.
Linguine with Carrot Ribbons and Lemon-Ginger Butter
The carrot ribbons are simple: Use a vegetable peeler to make long strips.
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Hoisin Dipping Sauce
For extra crunch, add a few strips of cucumber or bell pepper before rolling these up.
Lime Mascarpone Panna Cotta with Raspberries
Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese sold at many supermarkets and Italian markets.
Ciabatta Deli Sandwiches with Peperoncini and Artichokes
Make these sandwiches when you don't want to turn on the stove.
Scandinavian Shrimp Salad with Dill and Cornichons
For a more substantial meal, the salad can be served on pumpernickel bread or toasted French bread as an open-face sandwich and topped with slices of hard-boiled egg. Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs.
Pasta with Grilled Vegetables and Feta
Pasta, cheese, and a few summer vegetables make a quick and easy main course.
Grilled Chorizo, Goat Cheese, and Watercress Pita Pizzas
For a vegetarian version, substitute Soyrizo for the chorizo. Follow the same cooking directions, but do not drain.