5 Ingredients or Fewer

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are reprinted with permission from Gameday Gourmet by Pableaux Johnson.

The recipe and introductory text below are reprinted with permission from Gameday Gourmet by Pableaux Johnson. An insanely easy-to-make candy that looks a lot like the famous nut of Ohio's state tree as well as Ohio State's symbol.The actual buckeye is a form of horse chestnut that, when eaten, might result in all kinds of unthinkable intestinal troubles. It's probably wiser to go for these sweet, bite-size globes with the famous peanut butter/chocolate flavor combo instead.

Melted cheese is a nice way to set off the blossoms' tangy green flavor.

In this Spanish-style frittata, the potatoes and zucchini are characteristically creamy and filling. The dish is also a host's friend, since it tastes just right at room temperature.

What may seem like an incongruous mixture is actually a harmonious blend of ingredients and textures. There are few dishes that illustrate how the seemingly disparate flavors of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty can be successfully combined. One tip: While the melon should be chilled, the other ingredients are their most flavorful at room temperature, so combine the salad just before serving.

Ladyfingers may play only a supporting role in charlottes, but these delicate, small spongecakes are well worth perfecting. Folding in the egg whites requires a light but confident hand. Also, be careful not to overbake. Gaston LeNôtre's son Alain warns: "Thirty seconds too long, and it could be too late."

Delivering a lot of summer glamor for very little work, this gorgeous dish balances the baritone flavor and fat of the steak with the tomatoes' coloratura acidity. Take care not to overcook the tomatoes—they should be in the hot pan just long enough to release some of their juices, which create a natural sauce for the steak.

The rich flavors of the pork and chive dumplings shouldn’t be drowned out by a heavy sauce. This quick one is all you need.

This creamy fettuccine Alfredo is truly luxurious and yet so simple. You'll be rewarded for using the very best pasta and Parmesan.

This really simple, really beautiful stir-fry of earthy, bright green watercress is a "tumble of yum," in the words of food editor Maggie Ruggiero, who tested Reusing’s recipes.

You need something clean and refreshing in the series of "small plates," like this one and those above, and Reusing’s celery preparation fits the bill perfectly.

Jasmine rice is native to Southeast Asia. When cooked, its long grains become soft, seductively aromatic, and nutty in flavor.

The last embellishment for the caramel pecan cakes is easy to make and adds beautiful brightness to the plate.

This bold, uncomplicated dipping sauce is a perfect match for the sweet-potato and kimchi pancakes .

Alice Waters, founder and owner of Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California, champions the environmental benefits of organic produce and highlights vegetables’ freshness with simple preparations. In this adaptation of her potato coins, we coax the starch out of waxy, thin-skinned fingerlings to create a silky pan sauce. The faint vegetal sweetness of this dish pairs well with just about anything.

Rumor has it that this cocktail was named in honor of the famous French 75 light field gun of World War I. Quick and potent, the drink was popularized by Harry's New York Bar, in Paris.