Jalapeño

At the restaurant this versatile vinaigrette spices up specials such as grilled swordfish with corn salsa. We loved it on a jícama and carrot salad. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's a marinade that was inspired by the spicy food served at a favorite Connecticut restaurant of the same name. It's nice for jumbo shrimp, sea scallops and chicken. The recipe makes enough to marinate about 1 1/2 pounds of seafood or poultry. Any marinade coming in contact with raw meat, seafood or poultry must be boiled for one minute before using it for basting.

Quinoa, though technically a seed in the herb category, has traditionally been considered a valuable member of the grain family. A sacred source of strength for the ancient Incas, it is enjoying as a new popularity here in the United States. The secret of the success of this salad is the steaming of the quinoa. (The traditonal cooking method for quinoa, boiling it in a measured amount of water, does not produce the light, fluffy texture that works so well in a salad.) This dish provides a complete protein and can stand alone as a luncheon or light supper entrée.

Serve these patties over <epi:recipelink id="106530"">gingered noodle salad</epi:recipelink>.

(Spicy Chicken Crêpes)

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish of fried pork. In this version, the meat is braised with vegetables and spices. For best results, use large, meaty ham hocks.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Jalapeño and basil add zip to a classic dish.

The mangoes must be completely unripe in order to achieve the firm, chunky texture desired for this chutney. This recipe was created to accompany Lamb Stew with Black Mustard Seeds. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Add chicken or pork to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course. Chopped roasted peanuts are a nice garnish.

Great with tortilla chips as a dip. Or try it as a vegetarian filling for burritos adding grated Monterey Jack cheese, too.

This recipe was created to accompany Roasted Chicken Legs with Plum Chili Salsa . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Layered Corn Tortillas, Tomato Sauce, and Cheese)

This salsa is excellent with grilled shrimp, fish, or chicken. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.