Bon Appétit

Crispy, oversize cookies with a hint of butterscotch flavor.

Home turf: California
Local flavor: In health-conscious California, chili is as likely to be made without meat as it is with it. No self-respecting Texan would sign off on chili with beans, squash, and bulgur—but this lean, mean dish is as delicious as it is healthful.
Make it a meal: continue the Cali fantasy with whole grain bread, an arugula salad with mushrooms and garlicky vinaigrette, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (California, $8 per six-pack).

Even easier: Buy fresh pineapple that's already been peeled.

In this riff on melon and prosciutto, very ripe pears give the juiciest, most delicious result.

For some added kick, garnish with pickled jalapeño slices.

Orange-flower water adds a mild floral flavor to the whipped cream.

To create patisserie-perfect macaroons, Sandra Holl uses very finely ground almond flour. To remove the larger pieces, sift the flour before using.

Trish Newcomb makes her Granville Gourmet Whoopie Pies with shortening, but the cookies and filling can also be made with butter. In the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen we added a layer of chocolate ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Local island vegetables are used in this colorful dish offered at Jake's in Jamaica. Serve with brown rice or as a side dish with fish or chicken.