Quick
Orange, Jícama, Radish, and Pork Rind Salad
Chojín Alma Guillermoprieto of Cambridge, Massachusetts, writes: "My guatemalan grandmother made a salad she called chojín. I remember the taste vividly, but when I went to Guatemala, no one knew the dish. This is my attempt to re-create it."
While the ingredients in this recipe are extremely simple, the result is an eye-opening explosion of flavors.
By Alma Guillermoprieto
Spicy Asian Eggplant with Tofu and Red Pepper
By Katie Chin and Leeann Chin
Shrimp Rolls with Spicy Vietnamese Dressing
By Nina Simonds
Turkey (Tonnato) Sandwiches
Instead of calling for slices of roast veal—which would take some work—I went for white-meat turkey, an easily found option (I bought mine at a deli), and one that doesn't differ all that much in taste and texture from cold veal.
By Mark Bittman
Insalata di Rucola
Investor Ashton Kutcher has cozied up to current flame Demi Moore at this see-and-be-seen Melrose restaurant. Other famous patrons include Halle Berry and Sharon Stone, who have feasted on the Whole-Wheat Penne With Eggplant, Tomato, and Buffalo Mozzarella. To avoid filling up on a heavy entrée, start with this salad, which contains heart-friendly fat from olive oil.
Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger and Shiitakes
You can't fling a chopstick in this übertrendy Japanese eatery without hitting at least one celebrity: Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Liv Tyler, George Clooney — the list goes on. The best of the beau monde enjoy a variety of fresh fish (raw and cooked) in a soothing Zen setting. This recipe may have a higher percentage of calories from fat than other fish dishes, but it's mostly the healthy kind.
Sweet and Hot Mango Chutney with Cumin-Dusted Pita Wedges
Healthy bonus: Vitamin C from mangoes; iron from raisins
Spicy Thai Shrimp with Mint Raita
This calorie bargain, the second winner from Red Mountain, owes its flavor to chef Luethje's mix of Thai chile paste, fresh ginger, and raita, an Indian yogurt salad. The shrimp supplies lean protein, the yogurt calcium.
Baby Spinach and Raspberry Salad
Requiring a scant 20 minutes of prep time, chef Don Jakubowski's flavorful starter salad delivers more than a burst of color: The spinach packs beta-carotene and lutein for healthy eyes; the raspberries, oranges, and carrots add fiber; and the red bell pepper offers vitamin C.
Bigeye Tuna with Red Currant and Apple Vinaigrette and Snap Peas
By Shea Gallante
Triple-Chocolate Cookies
By Tom Douglas
Mixed Berries with Mascarpone-Limoncello Cream
Limoncello can be found at most supermarkets and at liquor stores.
Grilled Pound Cake with Balsamic Peaches
Jan Esterly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes: "Even though it gets cold where I live, I love grilling outside year-round. I make this amazing recipe only during summer, when I can buy perfect peaches from the roadside stands — like now."
Jan also likes to serve these sweet-tart peaches with ice cream and waffles.
By Jan Esterly
Grilled Vegetables with Mint Raita
Improv: Add or substitute corn on the cob, eggplant slices, or portobellos.
By Mark Bittman
Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Onion, and Bell Pepper with Thyme Vinaigrette
Jan Esterly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes: "Even though it gets cold where I live, I love grilling outside year-round. This recipe makes a regular appearance at our dinner table."
By Jan Esterly