Mint

Spoon this sprightly condiment over grilled fish, alongside roasted ham, or, for an appetizer, atop slices of smoked salmon on buttered pumpernickel.

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

This elegant dish is perfect for weeknight entertaining. There are many different kinds of herbed white wine vinegars; choose your favorite. Serve with: Green beans sautéed with mushrooms, and mashed potatoes with chives.

Serve with: Orzo tossed with butter and sliced green onion, and sliced roasted beets.

This recipe is sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

A simple rum cocktail made with fresh grapefruit, lemon or lime, and sparkling water. Angostura bitters add a touch of spice.

The story goes that Southsides were invented at New York City's "21" Club during Prohibition, when bootleggers from Chicago's South Side were among the restaurant's customers. The original recipe called for gin and lemon juice, but today the cocktail  — still popular at "21"  — is also made with vodka or rum. Our variation substitutes lime juice for lemon juice and leaves the choice of spirits open.

Teas are a wonderful way to use seasonal herbs, so experiment with your favorites. The measurements are flexible; depending on the freshness and strength of the herbs, you may need to add or subtract.

(Rum, Lime, Mint and Basil Cocktail)Garnishes: fresh mint and basil sprigs and lime slices

The mai tai was invented in 1944 at the original Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California. There are many variations of the drink, including this mint-accented version. Look for almond syrup in the coffee-and-tea section of the supermarket.