Garlic

Lemongrass lends a delicate flavor to this simple roast chicken from Market. Begin marinating the chicken one day ahead.

If there were just one stock I'd encourage you to make, this is it. Why? Because it is the foundation of more soups and sauces than any other stock I use. For this recipe, you'll need a large stockpot, a colander, and a fine-mesh strainer (or a colander lined with cheesecloth). This recipe is a component of Grill-Roasted Rack of Lamb in Red Mole and Tamarind Barbecued Duck with Smoky Plantain Crema .

This custard makes a perfect one-dish brunch, lunch, or supper, especially when paired with a green salad. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

For an impressive presentation, I always set the lemon halves in red-wine glasses, because their bowls are larger than white-wine glasses. Serve extra lemons alongside.

These hearty falafel are equally delicious eaten alone or piled into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tahini sauce. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 13 3/4 hr (includes soaking chickpeas)

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo Offer this with the Mexican White Rice cooked with two whole serrano chiles (remove the chiles before serving the rice). To devein the shrimp while leaving the shells intact, use kitchen shears or scissors to cut down the center of each shell from the head end of the shrimp toward the tail. Open the shell slightly and remove the vein using the tip of a small, sharp knife.

The flavors and juices of this Provençal-style tuna sandwich seep into the bread while it is being pressed. Serve with: Marinated green beans and herbed orzo salad.

Adobo — a paste made with chiles, spices, and vinegar or sometimes citrus juice — is a flavoring agent found throughout the Spanish-speaking world. This variation with paprika and rosemary serves as the seasoning rub for the meat.

Steve Katz of Potomac, Maryland, writes: "I would like to share a recipe for the most finger-licking baby back ribs you'll ever cook on your stovetop. The secret ingredient is Lapsang souchong tea, used in the braising liquid to give the ribs a smoky flavor. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Pa Amb Tomàquet Rustic and assertive, pa amb tomàquet is a quick and easy hors d'oeuvre or accompaniment, best grilled (and served) in batches. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.