Side

The secret to crisp latkes is the removal of as much liquid as possible from the ground potatoes. Serve these plain (they're a fine accompaniment to a roast with gravy), or with sour cream or applesauce. See how to dice potatoes.

An easy side dish for ham or chicken. The dressing can be made a day ahead.

Great with grilled chicken or meats, or as an addition to hamburgers and other sandwiches. If available, use Vidalia or Maui onions for this delicious condiment.

Chervil's delicate anise flavor enhances the season's baby vegetables. If you don't have chervil, substitute fresh dill.

Pae Thee Thoke Chinese long beans, also known as yard-long beans, really are long — about 18 inches.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We used a Microplane rasp (available at cookware shops) to grate the cheese in this recipe. You can use a box grater instead, but the same amount of cheese (1 ounce) will yield less volume. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

When selecting fresh herbs for use as salad greens, choose those with tender, young leaves. Can be prepared in 45 minutes of less.

If you can't get fresh oregano to sprinkle on the peppers, fresh basil or parsley is just fine.