Simple Cooking

Make the rice before you leave, and pack the vinaigrette in a little jar on the side. You'll thank us, Scout's honor.

A tart huckleberry drinking vinegar (you can try it with different berries) gives club soda some kick.

Beneath a humble, oaty streusel topping lies a sleek, inky jumble of plums and blackberries—talk about a delicious contrast. A combination of cornstarch and tapioca in the filling helps to keep the colors of the fruit true and to set up their juices nicely without becoming too thick.

We doubt you'll have any leftovers from this homey blueberry cake crowned by a buttery, brown-sugar-sweetened streusel topping, but if you do, it will make a fabulous companion to your morning coffee.

Stash veggie-filled foil packets in the freezer for a weekday breakfast option that cooks in the oven while you go about your morning routine.

These make-ahead packs are perfect for camping trips as well as quick and easy breakfasts on the go.

These make-ahead packet meals are perfect for camping trips as well as quick and easy breakfasts on the go.

This vibrant green side dish is great served at room temperature, so you can make it a couple hours before your guests arrive for a dinner party.

Yogurt gets used two ways in this simple dinner party–worthy dish: first it provides a tenderizing marinade for the chicken, then more yogurt is mixed with the pan juices to create a rich sauce for serving.

Leaving the skins on the peaches for the purée makes for a beautifully pink swirl in this refreshing summer dessert.

This pretty green soup is creamy, cool, and refreshing. Top each bowl with a flavorful mix of parsley, mint, olive oil, and lemon zest.

These spicy and crunchy chickpeas make a crowd-pleasing snack to serve with cocktails.

Parsley, mint, and lemon zest make this herbed oil a versatile condiment for a number of dishes.

Toss peaches with almonds and fragrant garam masala, then top with a brown sugar crumble for an excellent entry into summer peach season.

When you leave lemon peels behind on the cutting board, you're (literally) throwing away free flavor. The peel adds a mild bitterness that we love, plus a bit of texture that instantly makes a salad dressing interesting. This whole-lemon vinaigrette can take on much more than Bibb lettuce: It's substantial enough to go head to head with blistered string or flat beans, smoky grilled meats—you name it.

The musky-sweet flavor of melon also takes well to red pepper flakes and cracked black pepper.

If you can't find currants (check the farmers' market first), use any other berry or a mix.