No-Cook

Doughlike chocolate, often called chocolate plastique, makes cake decorations that are as beautiful to eat as they are to admire. The simple technique is the same for Dark Chocolate Plastique (page 134), but here the delicate ivory color allows you more opportunities for creating realistic, elegant flowers suitable for weddings and gifts. For a gift, I like to present the roses in a reusable box, such as a small jewelry box lined with plastic wrap, with the white chocolate roses inside. Import shops often sell ethnic boxes and are a great place to pick these up. Or, gently place the roses into a flower vase packed with truffles or cookies.

This classic sugar cookie and tart shell dough is also known as pâte sucrée. Like the Chocolate Sugar Dough, it is very versatile and works as tart shells or sugar cookies, or whenever you need a sweet, sturdy crust to hold delicacies like strawberries and cream or chocolate mousse. You can also mix all the ingredients in a food processor—just pulse until the ingredients come together.

Some days, the fats and sugars of life must be avoided, but you can still squeeze in a little chocolate. I usually prefer natural ingredients like whole milk and real sugar, but on diet day, everything must be skinny, and I use sugar substitutes. Swirl a green apple slice through this dip in the afternoon, make a cup of green tea, soak up all your antioxidants, and you’ll forget that you’re even on a diet.

These easy, no-bake candies are good for you if you eat only two or three, which is dangerously difficult to do. You’ll find a balance between the natural sweetness of dates and honey and the bitterness of rich cocoa.

What better way to indulge in a little chocolate than by adding it to a plethora of healthy greens, pine nuts, and feta cheese? You’ll be looking for an excuse to eat your vegetables with this surprising twist on vinaigrette.

Such a simple meal and such a great taste! The fresh and tangy blend is wonderful by itself or with whatever additions you have on hand. Check your refrigerator for tomatoes, bell peppers, chiles, or corn to add to this versatile salad.

Turn leftover roast beef such as from Tuscan Braised Beef (page 172) into a taste adventure by adding Thai-style dressing.

You won’t want to go back to traditional mayonnaise-based tuna salad after experiencing the fresh crispness of this citrusy version.

Flavors of the Mediterranean are blended in this simple, easy-to-love salad. Serve it as is or on lettuce.

This exciting, inviting fruit salad is especially delicious served with grilled pork or chicken.

As a first course or light dessert, this dish is a showpiece!

Experiment with different varieties of apple and with seasonal fruit when you make this refreshing salad.

Get up and go with this satisfying breakfast drink. For a frosty presentation, put empty glasses in the freezer for just a few minutes while you are preparing the drink.

Does your morning routine need a wake-up call? This smoothie will energize you—and might even make you look forward to getting out of bed!

Unlike many other poppy seed dressings, the one used in this fresh vegetable salad is sweet and sour.

Turn a serving of your favorite fruit into a delectable dessert with an extra-easy sauce reminiscent of cheesecake.

This sweet-hot slaw gets its “attitude” from a combination of several highly flavored ingredients.

Blend sweet strawberries with white grape juice and a bit of wine for a fruity drink or a refreshing ice.

Here’s a modern twist to a comforting favorite. It’s perfect not only for dessert but also as a starter for a summer brunch.

Serve this chilled fruit soup as a light summer appetizer or with your favorite sandwich or salad.