Meal Prep

Our food editors were evenly divided concerning which dipping sauce they preferred with the duck salad. Some liked the nuoc cham because of the depth of flavor imparted by the fish sauce; others leaned toward the sweetness and heat of the chile sauce. Make one or both, depending on your taste.

This is one of my favorite sauces: Its deep, purpley, cranberry color is reason enough for that designation, but then again so is the bright strawberry/kiwi/watermelon flavor, with its hints of the unbridled tropics. And the fact that you can tell your guests you're serving them cactus fruit (and that it is delicious) gives you a decidedly exotic edge. The puree is very watery, like watermelon juice, so in order to give the sauce some body but not take away all the fruit's freshness, I've directed you to rapidly boil down part of the puree with sugar, then cool it and add the remaining uncooked puree. This method works well with watermelon puree, too, should you not be able to find prickly pears. You will need about 3 cups seeded, pureed watermelon pulp.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This fresh chutney is an excellent condiment for beef, chicken, and fish.

Be sure to refrigerate the oil, and to use it within three weeks of the date it was made.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Provençal Basil Sauce) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Use this stock to prepare Chicken with Parsley and Thyme Stuffing and Roasted Potatoes .

Tuna, which is hearty enough to stand up to strong Spanish flavors, is particularly popular on the Iberian Peninsula. Dusted with paprika and served atop a sauce of tomatoes with bell peppers and ham, the kebabs make outstanding summertime eating. Pour a Spanish Rioja throughout, and present a caramel flan with berries to finish.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Carne Adovada At Maria's New Mexican Kitchen, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this stew is used to fill enchiladas and burritos, but it also makes a very satisfying meal served alone or over rice.

This Asian-inspired vinaigrette is a lively dressing for seafood salads as well as simple greens. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.