Basil

"I recently ventured to Brooklyn Heights, where I had a sensational meal at Henry's End," says Mariana Field Hoppin of New York, New York. "The shrimp with basil-garlic butter was out of this world. Could you obtain the recipe?"

For food safety reasons, the lobsters must be roasted immediately after they have been boiled and split. Market tip: American lobster from the Northeast is still in fairly good supply, though vulnerable to fishing pressure. California spiny lobster is also a good choice in this recipe.

In this clever dish from chef Michel Richard at Citronelle in Washington, D.C., fried sea scallops coated with fine strands of phyllo pastry resemble porcupines.

Toss one cup of the pesto with one pound of cooked pasta, or try it as a sauce over baked chicken or fish.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Round out this satisfying soup with a composed platter of marinated beets, red onions, sliced hard-boiled eggs, pickled vegetables and a wedge of imported Parmesan. Try a purchased berry tart for a pretty dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Grilled zucchini adds extra flavor and texture to this light and pretty main course.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Onions, olives, basil and lemon accent this unusual combination from Un Grand Café in Chicago, Illinois. If you cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes, regular white-skinned potatoes will do nicely.

This pesto, from Trapani, in Sicily, is made with almonds and tomato and far less basil than traditional pesto — don't expect it to be green.

An easy no-bake lasagna.

Add a glass of rosé and some crusty Italian bread to make a perfect summer lunch.