Cilantro

This pan-Asian tofu gets brilliant color and lively flavor from an easy cilantro pesto. To make this dish vegetarian, you can simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce.

This simple Chinese preparation enhances the briny flavor of cockles. If cockles are hard to find in your area, you can substitute other small hard-shelled clams (though steaming time will vary with the type and size).

Camarones al Cilantro Laura Bookman of Weston, Massachusetts, writes: "Can you get me the recipe for camarones al cilantro from Cafe Sol Azteca, in Newton Center, Massachusetts?"

This chutney requires a lot of herbs. If the bunches at your supermarket are small, buy two or three.

Bhel poori is a savory puffed rice snack that's usually served with crackers (we like to eat it with a fork). The recipe for this one, which combines a surprising range of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, was given to us by our art director Erika Oliveira's mother, who is Indian. The sev you buy should be thin but not very thin, or your bhel poori will be too mushy.

Serve with: Red bean and rice salad, and slices of avocado and grapefruit.

Michael Shrader of Nine Restaurant Group in Palm Springs, Florida, writes: "Both sides of my family cooked a lot when I was growing up, so I've had plenty of inspiration to draw on as a chef. From my mother's Sicilian heritage, I learned about homemade pasta, braised meats, and biscotti—before they became fashionable. My dad is part German, and he was known for his talents working the grill. On my days off from the restaurant, I cook for my wife at home. We tend to eat light, and I cook with foods that are in season since I've never been one for complicated dishes. It's just not my style. I'd rather have sliced tomatoes with a good olive oil or pasta with vegetables than something fussy." A sophisticated, fresh, and spicy dip for tortilla chips or baguette rounds.

A spicy Thai take on a classic party dish.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

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

Tikka curry paste — used to season the chicken — can be found in Asian markets, but any mild Indian curry paste can be substituted.

Bright and fresh, this sauce is also fantastic over broiled salmon or scrambled eggs.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. The chef at Cafe Diablo uses 6- to 8-ounce local trout fillets from Road Creek Trout Farm. We have adapted the recipe for smaller fillets.

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

Begin preparing this a day before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.