No-Cook

Flavored butter can make plain food instantly interesting by enlivening it with the flavors of fresh herbs, ginger, citrus, chiles, or roasted garlic. Keep some in the freezer to use in cooking or at the table. Give an instant flavor boost to plain steamed vegetables, broiled or grilled fish, eggs, grains, pasta, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes. Slather it on fresh bread, rolls, or biscuits.

We use this aromatic spice mix to flavor roasted vegetables and baked or grilled shrimp or fish.

Make your own custom-made Chili Powder that reflects your flavor preferences and is free of unwanted ingredients, such as dried garlic and anticaking agents. After you’ve used this basic blend, adjust the recipe to fit your taste.

Refreshing and pretty, this sauce makes a tangy and colorful garnish for curries, stews, and soups.

Spruce up your favorite homemade or store-bought salsa.

Once you’ve made this easy Duck Sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Easy, no-fuss sauce for your favorite barbecue.

Who knew that putting together a robust little cocktail sauce was so easy? Plus it doesn’t have the corn syrup and flavor enhancers of commercially prepared sauce.

Homemade Russian Dressing can be made in minutes from stuff you probably have on hand, and its flavor is fresher and brighter than bottled.

Take a few minutes to turn mayonnaise into something special. Aioli is a flavorful topping for steamed vegetables of all types, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, fish, and shrimp, as well as a dressing for a simple salad, a dip for artichokes—even a sandwich spread.

We hope you have a microplane grater (see page 290), because the quality of the lemon zest makes a big difference.

This is the classic dressing for romaine lettuce, but it is delicious on any tossed salad. Drizzle it on steamed vegetables for something special.

A basic vinaigrette can be quickly made with only a few key ingredients found in the pantry.

Easy to put together in a couple of minutes and much fresher-tasting than commercial products. Makes a familiar topping for fish and other seafood and a great sandwich spread.

The clean, fresh flavors of cilantro and lime make this one of our all-time favorite dressings. If you like a smooth, emulsified dressing, make it in a blender.

We rely on this little carrot salad over and over to add color, sweetness, and crunch to many meals. It’s even prettier topped with fresh raspberries. (See photo)

We make this summer salad from the beginning to the end of tomato season, and we love it every time. It’s beautiful made with heirloom tomatoes of different colors.

This simple salad goes with many dishes. Or add some or all of the extras we suggest and make a meal of it.

Raw beets give this salad a definite earthiness. For a mellower flavor, use cooked beets. Either way, it’s a beautiful salad that adds color to your supper.