Ginger

There's no alternative to Chinese sausage—it's slightly sweet and very flavorful.

Chopped fresh ginger and cilantro give an exotic edge to the classic summer side dish.

This is nice on cold nights, especially when you're craving something rich, comforting, and restorative. It's saucy and intensely flavored, with lots of interesting textures.

Serve the kebabs with some rice to round out the meal.

Whenever you serve this lightly spiced, moist buttermilk layer cake you'll turn dessert into a celebration. The spices in the cake mellow as it stands, so it's even better the day after baking.

Bow tie-shaped pasta is mixed with Thai-flavored pesto sauce and tossed with cooked shrimp for a fast, colorful entrée.

These spice cookies are reminiscent of those our associate food editor enjoys on frequent visits to Norway. Cut them into different shapes and enjoy their crisp texture.

"My wife and I had some great fish dishes at the Alpine Bistro in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, "says Sanford M. Skalka, New Providence, New Jersey. "I would like the recipe for the sesame-crusted tuna steak, which came with a flavorful Asian-style sauce."

Look for the hoisin sauce in the Asian foods section. To go with the skewers, have Asian noodle salad tossed with packaged shredded vegetables. For dessert, try grilled honey-brushed bananas with ice cream.