Norma Shirley

Guava and sautéed mango add subtle sweetness to this elegant dish. What to drink: A crisp, dry white wine with tropical fruit notes, like Pinot Gris.

Red peas and kidney beans are one and the same.

What to drink: Serve a splurge-worthy aged rum in a snifter, to sip like brandy.

Look for chayote at supermarkets, Latin markets, and natural foods stores — it's a light-green pear-shaped squash that's mild and crisp.