Saute

Complement this earthy entrée with braised brussels sprouts and buttered orzo. Warm gingerbread squares make a great ending.

Using pre-tenderized steak (labeled "cube steak" at the meat counter) makes this bistro-style dish extra succulent. Serve with: Hash browns and steamed broccoli. Dessert: Warm apple pie.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

If you have leftover roast chicken or turkey, use it here and save a step. You'll need 3 cups of shredded meat.

Soaking the crabs in milk helps plump them up when cooked. Combining butter and oil results in crispy crabs.

An elegant main course from Xaviar’s restaurant in Garrison. Ask the butcher to bone the lamb for you.

"Can you obtain the recipe for littleneck clams from Antonio's Restaurant in New Bedford?" writes Michelle Dooley of Hanover, Massachusetts. "I read about the restaurant in your magazine, and now that I've been there, I'd like to try my hand at preparing this dish." Serve these clams with crusty bread and a salad to round out the meal.

Here's a good example of Thomas Keller's culinary magic: Simple flavors come together spectacularly in this special dish from The French Laundry in Napa Valley.

Chiles Rellenos con Huevos y Tocino con Salsa de Queso Chihuahua Translated, Las Ventanas al Paraíso means "Windows to Paradise." With an ocean view from nearly every room, four infinity pools that seem to stretch to the sea, and a personal escort to your room (no front desk), the name is no exaggeration. The peacefulness is a sharp contrast to the bustle of Los Cabos, just outside the property's doors. If you can bear to venture outside your beautiful room, try the resort's two restaurants — the Sea Grill, where you'll find contemporary Mexican offerings like this breakfast version of chiles rellenos, and The Restaurant, which uses local ingredients to create delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Serve this granola with fruit and yogurt for a delicious breakfast. Or sprinkle it over ice cream to jazz up dessert. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 30 min

In Rome, this is a typical way of preparing bitter greens. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Canned red bean paste is an acceptable product, but the homemade kind is obviously much tastier. In Chinese markets, you'll find small, plump dried red beans called _hoong dul,_not to be confused with adzuki beans, _zeck siu dul,_also small red beans that are oblong in shape. This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of red bean paste, just enough filling for Sesame Balls. Use regular brown sugar for this recipe.

These wraps make for an informal and delightfully messy summer supper. Complete the meal with a rice salad from the deli (adding diced bell peppers and a splash of rice vinegar, if desired) and ice cream sprinkled with minced crystallized ginger.

The great flavor of toasted cumin adds a nice dimension to this easy side dish. It's an extra step that is definitely worth it.