Name: Cucumber Salad
Yield: Makes 8 servings (as part of larger meal)
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fine-quality dried shrimp such as BDMP or Sea Emperor brands (optional); 1/2 cup fresh lime juice; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai); 2 seedless cucumbers (usually plastic-wrapped; 1 1/2 lb total), halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick; 2 small shallots, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Vegetable Squash Zucchini Meal Dish Fruit and Banana

Cucumber SaladGEORGE WHITESIDE

Yam Taeng Kwa

Dried shrimp are an acquired taste; they have a very strong fish flavor. But this salad is wonderfully refreshing even without the shrimp.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Cooks' notes:

• Shrimp can be ground 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. • Salad (without shrimp) can be made 1 hour ahead and chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.