Poach

Poach the pears and serve with traditional anise-flavored fried pastries. Start the pears one day ahead.

It's best to serve this lobster salad right after you make it, rather than preparing it in advance. If the salad stands for more than half an hour, pineapple enzymes will alter the texture of the lobster meat. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

If you prefer, the eggs can be fried instead of poached. Do-ahead steps make this dish very manageable — even for six. The sauce can be prepared the day before.

A creamy tahini sauce (made with lemon juice and tangy dijon mustard) solves the problem of creating a rich and well-dressed chicken salad without the mayo.

Gently poached shrimp are the star in this quick and simple warm weather favorite. Lean on frozen shrimp for an even faster prep.

This recipe for eggs en cocotte calls for a stovetop steaming method rather than an oven-baked one, which means you can sit down to brunch even faster.

Tender poached chicken and the season’s crunchiest veggies get cloaked in a creamy green goddess for the ultimate chic summer lunch.

The best part of these Turkish-style poached eggs on a bed of crispy bread and creamy yogurt is the garlicky spiced brown butter that gets drizzled on top.

Cooking the shrimp off the heat will allow them to poach gently, preventing overcooking.

When ramps are in season, stock up and make this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Swap in any soft cheese you like: Try ricotta, cream cheese, or an oozy burrata.