Citrus
Lemon and Poppy Seed Tartlets
Poppy seeds have a tendency to go rancid quickly, so be sure to use a fresh jar (and refrigerate or freeze it afterwards).
Lemon Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
For an impressive presentation, I always set the lemon halves in red-wine glasses, because their bowls are larger than white-wine glasses. Serve extra lemons alongside.
Oven-Roasted Sea Bass with Ginger and Lime Sauce
For a complete Asian-inspired menu, prepare steamed rice, and sauté snow peas in sesame oil. Fill fresh papaya halves with coconut ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Grilled Whole Fish with Roasted Tomato-Chile Sauce
Pescado Zarandeado
Although you can broil the fish, it is at its best when cooked outside (placing the fish in a grill basket makes it easier to turn over on the barbecue). Ask the fishmonger to remove the head and scales and to clean and butterfly the fish.
Braised Orange-Ginger Short Ribs with Dried Apricots
Hoisin sauce is sold at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.
Fresh Mint and Ginger Lemonade
This distinctive fat-free drink is a great change of pace from coffee or tea.
Lemon Peel Tuiles
These thin cookies resemble the strip of lemon peel that's often served with a cup of espresso.
Warm Lemon-Cumin Chicken on Pita Bread Salad
Using stale pita will keep the bread from getting soggy in the salad.
Cucumber Salad
Yam Taeng Kwa
Dried shrimp are an acquired taste; they have a very strong fish flavor. But this salad is wonderfully refreshing even without the shrimp.
Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min
Lemon-Pistachio Crunch Cake
Lemon curd separates the layers of this fine-crumbed, very-special-occasion cake. Get started at least one day ahead: The frosting base and lemon curd must chill overnight before using. For the frosting, high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina) works best.
Chocolate Chunk, Orange and Hazelnut Cookies
A mug of hot chocolate or a glass of milk would complement these updated, sophisticated chocolate chip cookies.
Bake-Salé Lemon Meringue Pie
In the good old days, when everyone baked, the bake sale offered cooks a chance to strut their stuff. The competition was friendly but cut-throat, and winners were determined by whose sweets sold first - and at what premium price. In celebration of those leisurely times, here is a classic lemon meringue pie.
Chilled Tomato Soup with Chipotle Cream
A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.