Lime

This slaw would pair nicely with grilled chicken breasts or roasted chicken.

Salsa de Chile Habanero The Mayan word for this mixture (xnipec) means "nose of the dog," a vivid description of its sinus-clearing effects. For a truly incendiary salsa, add an extra habanero.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Vanilla-Citrus Tea Ring . Any remaining compote would be great for breakfast or dessert with a spoonful of yogurt or crème fraîche.

If you're bored with corn on the cob, this is an excellent way to use fresh corn. The fritters alone would also be delicious for breakfast, topped with maple syrup, or as a side dish for a ham dinner.

Jerk seasoning — here a spicy blend of garlic, onion, chiles, thyme, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, though recipes vary — originated in Jamaica and is traditionally used on pork and chicken. Because the jerk marinade can burn easily, the chicken requires slow cooking on the grill, which also helps keep the meat moist.

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.

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.

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

A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.

This salsa from Jane Butel's cooking school in Albuquerque, New Mexico is great with fajitas or as a dip for chips.

Trying to take a lychee off its pit is nearly impossible. I leave them on their pits which does nothing to detract from the quality of this salad! You can use canned lychees, which are surprisingly delicious.

This homey soup was inspired by a recipe from Maria, the nanny for Patrick's family. She served warm corn tortillas alongside.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min A wonderfully versatile salad that can be served with almost any main course. The vinaigrette is zesty and fresh, yet it's mild enough to work well with a variety of flavors.

Present these light sorbets in tall glasses, and garnish each dessert with large pieces of the pine nut brittle for a dramatic effect.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serve the chicken with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.