Dairy

Cheesy with a shortbread-like texture, these biscuits are addictive and would pair nicely with beer.

Grilling the pizza dough adds a smoky flavor to the crust.

The beans need to soak overnight, so be sure to start this recipe one day ahead.

If the poblanos aren't hot enough, add some chopped jalapeños to the salsa verde. Garnish enchiladas with fresh avocado slices and drizzle with crema mexicana (a nutty cultured cream available at some supermarkets and at Latin markets) or stirred sour cream if crema is unavailable.

French pastry chefs dedicated this classic dessert to the Russian royal family. In this version, Grand Marnier-soaked berries are served with a tangy homemade ice cream (in place of the usual whipped cream). If you'd like, serve some sweet, crisp cookies alongside.

Later in the summer, you can use eggplant in place of the portobellos.

Zabaglione is a light, foamy custard. In this elegant dessert, the warm Grand Marnier-spiked custard is spooned over fresh strawberries just before serving.

Baking the cake in one 12-inch round pan creates a dessert with presence. Assorted edible flowers make an easy, great-looking garnish.

The hens roast in about half the time it takes to cook a whole chicken. Offer wilted spinach alongside.

This dish requires just four ingredients (aside from oil, salt, and pepper). Serve with an arugula salad.

This luxurious treat is somewhere between a trifle, a tiramisù, and a summer pudding. The lime gives it a wonderful brightness.

The secret to great shortcakes is a very moist dough, so don’t be tempted to add more flour.

Supermarket roast chicken can be easily dressed up, as in this lovely salad. Look for almond oil at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

This salad is served with crostini topped with artichoke pesto instead of croutons.

Don't be tempted to buy precrumbled goat cheese, despite the time savings—it won't melt as well.

Ensalada de Nopales Do not be afraid of this salad. Nopales (cactus leaves) are quite delicious and may remind you of green beans or okra. In fact, you could make this salad with green beans perfectly well. But do try the nopales if you never have—you may discover a new favorite vegetable. You will find canned nopales at Latino markets, but fresh ones are much better.

This hearty dish averages about $2 per serving. It's ideal for breakfast or brunch (accompanied by a salad).

This recipe calls for aged Sherry (instead of vinegar), which gives the dressing an added kick.

One 16-ounce container of ricotta is enough for this recipe and leftovers.

Be sure to buy four extra cups of spinach if you plan to make the frittata.