Gluten Free

The big flavors of steaks hold up to vibrant sauces, like this bright condiment from Argentina (which can also double as a marinade).

Bigger picnic? Simply roast two birds at the same time.

This cocktail is from Ashley Christensen's Fox Liquor Bar in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This light, tangy yogurt accompaniment wakes up any dish. You can swap in one 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach for the fresh; just thaw and squeeze well before stirring into yogurt.

The lamb needs to marinate overnight, so be sure to start 1 day ahead.

Rice flour gives these cookies a very fine texture, and also results in a gluten-free dessert. Letting the dough rest allows the flour to absorb moisture, making it less crumbly and easier to handle.

Scoop up this vibrant condiment with wedges of warm pita.

This lime- and cilantro-infused cocktail will appeal to both Gimlet and Martini drinkers. We like to use Tanqueray for its strong juniper and spice profile.

Cooking on a bed of salt helps evenly conduct the high heat and infuse the shrimp with seasoning.

Soaking seeds makes a healthier, creamier pesto, but you can skip it if you're in a rush.

For this juicy, herbaceous salad, feel free to combine different varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes, which are at peak season around the same time.

Adding veggies to the marinade while warm helps them absorb more flavor.

Mild, crunchy green papaya is not the same as underripe papaya. Look for it at Asian or Mexican groceries.

If you have a mandoline with a julienne attachment or julienne peeler, use it here. For the best texture, stop cooking before the squash goes limp.

Serve this rich, glazed eggplant as a starter, or with rice and a simply prepared piece of fish for a main course.

"Paris chef Alain Passard, who is famous for unusual pairings, inspired this dish." —Chris Morocco, associate food editor

This also makes a great dinner for one; just cut the ingredients in half.

Go light on the salt when seasoning these chops; the marinade is fairly salty, especially after it reduces.

Trust us: Your first batch of this condiment will not be your last. Spoon it over the Ricotta Omelets , or see the Cooks' notes for other ways to enjoy it.

Oh, mama! This one's hot. Not in that obnoxious, burns you right off the bat kind of way, but in that slow, didn't see it coming, want to take two more bites to feel the burn just that much longer kind of way. That's a good kind of pain. This seasoning has got three different types of chiles to make it complex and give it some heat, plus white and black pepper to round it out. Use hot or smoked paprika instead of regular to alter the flavor, if you like. We don't call for any salt in our recipe, but you can use as little or as much as you like without making the food overly salty. However, do remember to salt your fish in addition to using the spice in a recipe. And if you're using the blend for blackening, get that exhaust fan going or be prepared to set off every smoke alarm you have. (Better yet, do your blackening outside on the grill in a cast-iron skillet!)