Gourmet

Juicy cantaloupe makes a refreshing salsa for grilled chicken or fish. For a milder salsa, discard all the chile seeds.

Fèves au Lard Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 4 1/2 hr

Don't skip the green peppers when making these sandwiches. They give just the right balance to the pepper mixture, slightly cutting the sweetness of their red and orange companions.

This quick side dish goes well with fish, such as arctic char, or grilled chicken.

Mafalde, similar to dried lasagne noodles but not nearly as wide, work well in this dish, as do campanelle, the bellflower-shaped pasta shells. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 35 min

Egg whites act as a stabilizer in this icing, allowing it to harden for decorating the cookies. Because the whites are not cooked, we prefer powdered egg whites, such as Just Whites, which are available in the baking section of most supermarkets. This recipe is an accompaniment for Gingerbread Sbowflakes.

You can also serve blini topped with salmon roe. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Loose tea leaves tend to be of higher quality than tea bags, giving the truffles a fresher, more distinct flavor. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is always sold flowering, though its buds are usually still closed.

If you can't find kumquats, don't panic — the recipe works fine without them. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

North African spices combine with a touch of honey and lemon in a refreshing summer soup.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pan-Seared Salmon over Red Cabbage and Onions with Merlot Gastrique. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Navain d'Agneau Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The rolls should be served warm, so reheat them in batches as platters need replenishing.

The size of tapioca pearls varies widely. What one brand calls "small," another brand might term "large," so don't pay much attention to the label. Instead, look for pearls that are 1/8 to 3/16 inch in diameter for making this dessert.