Peanut

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cooking times may vary slightly because of differences in microwave power.

(Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp) Paad Thai, with its signature fettuccine-width rice noodles, is available in myriad variations throughout Thailand. In its country of origin the dish is often made with dried shrimp; for a milder flavor fresh shrimp is specified here.

Soba noodles can be found in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.

Mole Poblano Mole is very time-consuming to make, but you can begin up to three days ahead. The results are well worth the effort. In Mexico, this is served with rice or unfilled tamales.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Gaze at rings on your left hand. Remember how, when you were single in New York and men made rude remarks to you on the street, you'd dream about the day your boyfriend would put an engagement ring on your finger. Those trips with your friend, Megan, to Tiffany's—how the diamonds sparkled under glass. And so, my friend, it comes to this: Orientalish pasta salad for the kabillionth time.

For centuries, southerners have enjoyed peanuts raw, baked, roasted and boiled, and in peanut butter, peanut brittle and even peanut soup. These roasted peanuts have a rich, smoky flavor that makes them good accompaniment to cocktails.

For a picnic, transport this colorful side dish next to a cold pack in an airtight container.

A Vietnamese-style salad that makes a refreshing accompaniment to any kind of barbecued meat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A modern take on old-fashioned ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cone "drumsticks." For a rich, satisfying but lower-fat dessert, serve the delicious chocolate sorbet on its own without mixing in the peanut butter cup candies.

Although several varieties of basil are used in Southeast Asia, the most common-called rau que in Vietnam and bai gaprow in Thailand-is generally referred to as Thai basil in Asian markets on this side of the Pacific. The leaves are slightly darker and narrower than the more familiar Italian basil and have purple stems and flowers. Rau que has a distinctively pungent anise flavor, but Italian basil is a perfectly acceptable substitute.

Peanut butter chips and chopped salted peanuts take brownies to a new level. Offer fresh fruit alongside.