Chile

In this intriguing twist on a delicious and popular dessert, the ancho chilies add a touch of earthy heat.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Nuoc Tuong Pha This vegetarian dipping sauce can be made with any soy sauce, including the Japanese-style Kikkoman, although the Vietnamese prefer the lighter-bodied Chinese-style products marketed under the brands Kim Lan, Bo De, and Pearl River Bridge. Like dipping sauces made with fish sauce, you can embellish this with different aromatics such as ginger and cilantro.

These can be made one day before serving.

Salsa de Chile Serrano Frito Serrano chiles give this Mexican sauce its bite and light green color. Use it on warm tortillas or grilled meats.

Talk about simple stews! You don't have to brown the meat — and the stew cooks in an easy hour.

Fresh mint makes this starter all the more cooling. Use Haas avocados for the creamiest texture. What to drink: Throughout the meal, go with the classics — beer and Margaritas.

A one-dish meal with all the earthy flavors of the Southwest.

Sometimes baby back ribs are sold in sections of four to six ribs rather than as whole racks; those will also work here. Begin preparing the ribs a day before serving so that they can chill overnight after the spice rub has been applied.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Steamed jasmine rice is all that's needed to turn this into a meal.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Chilaquiles in Chipotle Sauce .