Blender

Creamy, sweet carrot purée takes the place of tomato sauce in this unexpected spring pizza.

Packed with healthy superfoods and a little caffeine kick from matcha powder, this creamy green smoothie bowl makes a satisfying breakfast. Chia seeds and oats add density and fiber, while mango and fresh ginger add sweetness and spice.

In a world where chipotle is almost a supermarket staple, it's fair to say that authentic Mexican food has gone mainstream. And we couldn't be happier: We love the complex layering of flavors in real Mexican cooking. Mole, the signature sauce of Mexico, is a particularly delicious example of this trend. The only problem? Traditional mole usually requires a pantry's worth of ingredients and an entire day in the kitchen. Here, we’ve streamlined the ingredient list—and figured out how to make an incredible sauce in a couple of hours. But this simplified version doesn't skimp on flavor. Mexican chocolate adds an intriguing complexity to the smoky, savory sauce. Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken and you've got a whole new go-to chili.

This works as a fancy little passed hors d'oeuvre toast or as a more substantial dinner toast. As an hors d'oeuvre, it'll pair especially well with rose but also any sparkling wine or crisp white. If you're eating it for dinner, saute some garlicky bok choy or watercress on the side, plus a little kimchi for bite. If you're tight on cash but still want to impress, this is a great one-you don't need to buy the most expensive crab; the miso makes up for it. That said, it's always best to buy the highest quality you can afford.

Vibrantly colored and spiced, this creamy dressing is great drizzled over your favorite salad, grain bowl, or cooked veggies. Fresh turmeric will give you the best flavor and health benefits, but if you can't find it, ground dried turmeric works too.

You've probably never seen smoked swordfish before, but you probably weren't looking. Find it at Mexican, Spanish, or other specialty grocers, or at a well-stocked fish market.

Charring the vegetables adds bittersweet depth; serve leftovers on scrambled eggs.

Aguachile is a chile and citrus dressing that's often paired with raw fish. You'll want to drink Bukantz's veggie version right from the platter.

Authentic barbacoa is a daylong event involving a whole animal and an underground fire pit. This take is easier and totally delicious.

Chef Krajeck serves a similar dish at Rolf and Daughters; his hazelnut broth adds a clever layer of flavor.

Simmering vegetables in a covered pot over low heat so that they steam in their own liquid—a French technique called à l'étouffée—is the ticket to achieving a soup with pronounced depth. We love this method with cauliflower, but also try it with celeriac or rutabagas.

These decadent silver dollar-style pancakes are inspired by the classic British banoffee pie but are completely free from refined sugars—and they're gluten-free to boot. Sticky and sweet dried dates are soaked in hot water and blended to create the luxurious toffee-like "caramel." If you're feeling extra indulgent, whip up a batch of Coconut Whipped Cream to go on top.

Beets for dessert—we were skeptical too, but their sugar content and gorgeous color make for a stunning dish. See more riffs at right.