Simmer

Juicy pineapple with a nip of rum and ginger is a sophisticated compote that complements bites of the pecan spice cake (recipe precedes) but also makes a satisfying light dessert on its own.

Though they're a nod to the classic pairing of cooking greens with a ham hock, these gently bitter greens have several important differences: Because they are blanched rather than braised, they hold their intense color; bacon crumbled over the top, rather than cooked with the greens, retains its crispness; and smoky chipotle gives the dish an alluring heat.

Editor's note: This recipe was created by chef Einat Admony for an Israeli Passover menu. This recipe uses fresh beets — not canned — to give the broth more flavor. It's a good idea to wear gloves when peeling and slicing the beets, but if your hands get stained, wash them right away with hot soapy water and the color should come off. If you like, additional grated horseradish can be added as a garnish.

The perfect ending to a springtime brunch. Use the best strawberries you can find for that "real berry" flavor.

For an even easier preparation, buy already-chopped onions and bell peppers; they're available at many supermarkets.

Paprika oil adds a hit of color — and flavor.

This dish is finished with a delicious (and super-easy) basil and tarragon butter.

Editor's Note: This recipe is adapted from chef Paul Flynn of The Tannery in Dungarvan, Ireland. In Ireland, boiled bacon and cabbage is a domestic staple. The bacon is usually a "collar" or shoulder, a moderately marbled cut with less fat than American bacon but a bit more than Canadian. The ingredients are boiled together and served with potatoes and a parsley cream sauce. Among contemporary Irish chefs, it's become popular to reinvent this hearty, homey recipe in the more rarefied form of bacon and cabbage terrine. Flynn's version, however, stays closer to dish's comforting roots, while adding a touch of elegance.

Editor's note: The recipe below is from How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from China Modern by Ching-He Huang. In Chinese, Xi-fan means "watery rice." This modern version contains both brown rice and mixed whole grains.

This recipe makes more than enough jam for Chef Ryan Hardy's buttermilk panna cotta . He recommends making the full amount—leftovers are delicious in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

This recipe was created by chef Ryan Hardy of the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. It's part of a special menu he created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program.

Posole, a hearty Mexican soup, is traditionally prepared with pork or chicken. Shrimp and scallops make this version special enough for a party.

This fresh and sophisticated dish would be a delicious vegetarian entrée for two—just add rice. Look for curry paste and coconut milk in the Asian foods section of the supermarket.

Use leftover corned beef or a few slices from the deli. Trim the fat from the corned beef and use it to sauté the vegetables. If there's not enough fat, supplement with butter.

This recipe uses dried chickpeas, which must be soaked at least 8 hours or overnight. Depending on their age, chickpeas can take more or less time to soften during cooking, so use the cooking time as a guideline, not a rule. Check the chickpeas occasionally — if they seem too dry, add additional water in 1/4 cup increments.

In the islands, black-eyed peas are known as black-eyed beans.