Chive

A composed salad that features all the bright and pretty colors of the season.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 25 min

Here is an Asian twist on stuffed mushrooms. Chinese plum sauce and sesame oil make the satisfying, intensely flavored glaze. Small portobellos can be substituted for the shiitakes, if you like.

The halibut is delicious with sautéed green beans and steamed new potatoes. End with espresso granita or ice cream with grappa.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Slicing this sturdy cut of beef very thinly after grilling makes it more tender. What to drink: Spicy, jammy Zinfandel from California pairs beautifully with barbecue — as does pale ale.

If you haven't already made the low-fat buttermilk dressing for the buffalo burgers you'll need to allow a little extra time for this recipe. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 40 min

"During a recent business trip to Birmingham, Alabama, I had dinner at the Hot and Hot Fish Club," writes Shelia Murray of Paradise, California. "Every bite of chef Chris Hasting's shrimp and grits was packed with flavor. I'd love to prepare this stand-out dish at home."

When poaching eggs for a crowd, we've found the baking pan method below to be almost foolproof. Have a friend help you wrap the eggs in salmon before they get cold. If you're working on your own, you may want to simply drape the salmon over the eggs.

For ease, use the peeled baby carrots sold in plastic bags in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Jalapeño adds spiciness to this side dish.