Vegetable

Ricotta salata is a firmer version of fresh ricotta; it is perfect for shaving over salads.

The scallops and vegetables can be poached and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Avoid using an oaky Chardonnay, which may add bitterness.

Celery hearts are the tender, pale-green inner stalks in a celery bunch.

If fresh is unavailable, look for packages of prewashed baby spinach. Blood oranges are named for their vivid red-streaked flesh.

Walnut oil can be found at most gourmet markets. Because it is more delicate than other oils, walnut oil should be refrigerated after it has been opened to keep it from going rancid.

This colorful salad can also be served family style in a large bowl; toss the arugula in the vinaigrette along with the beans and tomatoes, and let everyone help himself. Niçoise olives have an appealing nuttiness that complements the peppery arugula.

Look for pumpkinseed oil in gourmet shops or health-food stores.

Wasabi peas are a popular cocktail snack. In this recipe, they are ground and used to encrust goat cheese buttons, providing an innovative alternative to bread crumbs. For best results, slice the goat cheese with a piece of thread.

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. For maximum health benefits, cut or juice them just before serving. Vitamins A and C and iron are also provided by baby spinach.

To prevent bruising, snip the basil with sharp kitchen scissors rather than cutting it with a knife. You may use any combination of tomatoes; cut cherry tomatoes in half.

Some varieties of noodles suggest soaking them in boiling water instead of cooking them; check your package instructions before preparing them.