Mint

This recipe is an accompaniment for Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops with Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes .

A layer of white chocolate-peppermint icing is sandwiched between the chewy brownie cake and a thick chocolate ganache glaze. To make this treat, you'll need an eight-inch square metal cake pan and parchment paper, sold at cookware stores and well-stocked supermarkets. For convenience, prepare the dessert a day ahead.

Fresh mint makes this starter all the more cooling. Use Haas avocados for the creamiest texture. What to drink: Throughout the meal, go with the classics — beer and Margaritas.

Hannah Levitz of Monroe Township, New Jersey, writes: "I first became interested in cooking when my son, Paul, was growing up. He was a picky eater and quite a challenge to cook for. He's married now with children of his own, and thankfully, he has learned to love almost everything I make. When we all get together, I like to do the cooking — it gives my daughter-in-law a break. And because most of my recipes are speedy, I still have time to enjoy my three grandchildren."

We serve our remake of the Mojito—a Cuban cocktail—in lime bowls, but Martini glasses would also look sleek.

These cakes are slightly underbaked so that the chocolate center oozes when cut into.

The thing Hom likes most about this dessert is the contrast of the warm, sweet fruit and the cold, tangy crème fraîche. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min

Though the cranberries look gorgeous, you wouldn't want to eat them—they're extremely tart when raw. The mint leaves, however, are positively delicious. Fresh raw cranberries yielded the most attractive garnish; thawed frozen berries may collapse and shrivel. Feel free to increase the amounts we've provided here if you'd like to make your decoration more elaborate.

Have the butcher "french" the lamb racks, which entails trimming the fat from the lamb and between the bones.

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

This warm potato salad has a Mediterranean accent, thanks to mint, feta cheese and Kalamata olives.

This recipe was created to accompany Seared Rosemary Scallops . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.