Plum Tomato

Salsa Mexicana Variations of this fresh tomato-based salsa show up on restaurant tables all over Mexico, where it is called pico de gallo, salsa fresca, or salsa mexicana. The bright flavor of the salsa adds sparkle to anything it touches — quesadillas; grilled chicken, fish or steak; tamales; tacos; and, of course, tortilla chips. This recipe is an accompaniment for Crispy Pork with Avocado Salsa and Tomato Salsa .

This fresh, uncooked version of a classic pasta sauce is also delicious served over rice. The rich nutty flavor of brown rice stands up well to the piquant flavors of the sauce. If you prefer a cooked sauce, you can saute the garlic and tomatoes in the olive oil, then add the remaining ingredients except the rice and heat through.

This lively salad adds color, flavor and crunch to any grilled main course.

This is our salsa closest to the classic home-style Mexican salsa de molcajete that's made from roasted garlic and chiles pounded in a lava-rock mortar (molcajete) with roasted tomatoes. Even though we've updated the equipment for the modern American kitchen, that perfect blend of sweetness (roasted garlic and tomatoes) and raciness (roasted jalapeños) is what you'll spoon out. The final addition of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of vinegar focuses the whole experience: This is just what most Americans wish they were getting when they open a jar with that ubiquitous "salsa" label. Made with plum tomatoes, your salsa will have a more homogenous texture — just right for using the salsa as an ingredient in other dishes. Because round tomatoes give a looser texture, choose them when you want a condiment to set on the table.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Miniature Crab Cakes with Tomato Ginger Jam . Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Chefs know this secret: Short ribs are long on flavor. Their rich, meaty taste makes them a perfect choice for cooks who want full-bodied food with very little fuss. This dish was inspired by a recipe in Daniel Boulud's Café Boulud Cookbook. The chef begins by reducing a great deal of red wine. We adopted his technique, which produces such a rich and delicious sauce, it tastes as if many days—and ingredients—were required to produce it. Like many people, we love to serve short ribs with a comforting side dish of mashed or roasted potatoes. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 3 hr

"On a trip to the Northwest, I enjoyed dinner at Yarrow Bay Grill in Kirkland, Washington," writes Sue Eltringham of Prescott, Arizona. "I'm a big fan of mussels and was especially fond of their version, with coconut-curry sauce. I'd like to have the recipe so that I can enjoy it again before my next visit." Rich coconut flavor and just the right amount of heat make this starter special. A trip to an Asian market will likely yield most of the ingredients you need.

"Michael Kornick's hip mk restaurant in Chicago has quickly become one of my favorite places for a special dinner," writes Thien Sylora of Chicago, Illinois. "I had a terrific gazpacho there."

The saffron adds not only a lovely aroma but vivid color as well. Open a bottle of Chardonnay to go with the meal.

We love this dish on its own, but a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh basil can be a nice addition. If you can get fresh ricotta, by all means use it here.

If you're bored with corn on the cob, this is an excellent way to use fresh corn. The fritters alone would also be delicious for breakfast, topped with maple syrup, or as a side dish for a ham dinner.

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

Peperonata is a mixture of bell peppers, tomatoes and onion used in Italian cooking. Chef Joseph Simone of Tosca in Hingham, Massachusetts, suggests serving this quick adaptation of one of his meatless main dishes with a salad of baby greens, sliced fresh fennel and crumbled goat cheese in a simple vinaigrette. For dessert, have baked apples with cinnamon and vanilla ice cream. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This hors d'oeuvre is as simple as it is flavorful, and it's especially good in the summertime, when the best fresh tomatoes are available. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.