Cilantro

There will be more pecan pesto than you need for the beans, but it keeps well and can also be used on pasta, as a sandwich spread, or in potato salad.

"Michael Kornick's hip mk restaurant in Chicago has quickly become one of my favorite places for a special dinner," writes Thien Sylora of Chicago, Illinois. "I had a terrific gazpacho there."

Flat iron steak is a tender cut from the chuck top blade roast. If flat iron steak is unavailable, use flank steak.

Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans, but black beans work well, too. Add a dab of sour cream if you crave a little richness.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Pluots are a great stand-in for true plums in this recipe.

If you're bored with corn on the cob, this is an excellent way to use fresh corn. The fritters alone would also be delicious for breakfast, topped with maple syrup, or as a side dish for a ham dinner.

Orange roughy or red snapper would also be delicious in this recipe.

This recipe can be increased to serve any number of hungry people as a main course or appetizer. Chopped olives, chopped red or green bell peppers and kidney beans are also good in this dish.

This dish is a twist on chilaquiles, a tortilla-based hash. It's great served with salsa for breakfast.

If you thought you couldn't cook Thai food at home, this colorful and slightly spicy curry-a bit of a cross between a soup and a stew-will change your mind. It's a cinch to whip up after work and intriguing enough to impress your friends. Begin dinner with frozen egg rolls or take-out ones from a Chinese restaurant, and finish things off with ice cream or sorbet topped with chopped tropical fruit. GewÜrztraminer or Thai beer complements the menu nicely.

Serve this with white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, this combination is also satisfying on its own as a meatless lunch.

This fresh chutney is an excellent condiment for beef, chicken, and fish.