Citrus

We've substituted Cornish game hens (which are much easier to find) for the squab used at Gary Danko in San Francisco. At the restaurant, the squab is stuffed with a mixed-grain pilaf. We suggest serving this with couscous or rice pilaf.

Jerk seasoning — here a spicy blend of garlic, onion, chiles, thyme, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, though recipes vary — originated in Jamaica and is traditionally used on pork and chicken. Because the jerk marinade can burn easily, the chicken requires slow cooking on the grill, which also helps keep the meat moist.

Poppy seeds have a tendency to go rancid quickly, so be sure to use a fresh jar (and refrigerate or freeze it afterwards).

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.

For a complete Asian-inspired menu, prepare steamed rice, and sauté snow peas in sesame oil. Fill fresh papaya halves with coconut ice cream for a refreshing dessert.

Pescado Zarandeado Although you can broil the fish, it is at its best when cooked outside (placing the fish in a grill basket makes it easier to turn over on the barbecue). Ask the fishmonger to remove the head and scales and to clean and butterfly the fish.

Hoisin sauce is sold at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.

This distinctive fat-free drink is a great change of pace from coffee or tea.

These thin cookies resemble the strip of lemon peel that's often served with a cup of espresso.

Using stale pita will keep the bread from getting soggy in the salad.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Flourless Chocolate-Orange Almond Cake .

Yam Taeng Kwa Dried shrimp are an acquired taste; they have a very strong fish flavor. But this salad is wonderfully refreshing even without the shrimp. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Lemon curd separates the layers of this fine-crumbed, very-special-occasion cake. Get started at least one day ahead: The frosting base and lemon curd must chill overnight before using. For the frosting, high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina) works best.

A mug of hot chocolate or a glass of milk would complement these updated, sophisticated chocolate chip cookies.

In the good old days, when everyone baked, the bake sale offered cooks a chance to strut their stuff. The competition was friendly but cut-throat, and winners were determined by whose sweets sold first - and at what premium price. In celebration of those leisurely times, here is a classic lemon meringue pie.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.