Chive

"While traveling in the Northern California wine country with friends," writes Stephen Carkeet of Merced, California, "we ate dinner at Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar in Healdsburg and had one of the best meals I can remember. Chef Jeff Mall prepared a wonderful chicken dish he called 'coq au Zin.' It was a winner." A taste — and word — play on the classic French dish coq au vin, this time made with red Zinfandel. At the restaurant, this is served with creamy mashed potatoes.

The halibut is delicious with sautéed green beans and steamed new potatoes. End with espresso granita or ice cream with grappa.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

This variation on the classic chilled leek and potato soup includes a cucumber-chive puree, which adds a refreshing and flavorful twist.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

An elegant appetizer from Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Lobster and truffle oil give this dish the true stamp of indulgence.

This recipe was created to prepare <epi:recipeLink ="14260">Asian Pork Crêpes</epi:recipeLink>.

A simple lemon and oil dressing-which works with just about any fresh vegetable-turns some of your garden's finest into a light summer pasta salad. Serve it in lettuce cups for a nice presentation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This entrée from Chateau Lake Louise at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, would be perfect for a dinner party. The fish is especially good accompanied by broiled red onion slices and steamed asparagus. To make this even easier, have the salmon skinned and boned at the fish market.