Grilling

When accompanied by the delicious tang of chimichurri sauce, all this steak needs is to be seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled to the desired doneness.

The peppers are roasted directly in the embers, but they can also be roasted on a grill rack with delicious results. Serve this as a starter, or pair with grilled fish.

Tradition dictates that these Florentine-style steaks be cooked over a grate in a fireplace, but this recipe translates very well to an American-style outdoor grill. Use a vegetable peeler to cut thin strips from a wedge of Parmesan to make the cheese shavings. What to drink: Chianti Classico.

Tarragon and mustard may be a classic French combination, but this menu is all American. A domestic Chardonnay, light beer, or fresh lemonade are perfect partners.

Rockfish is used in this dish at Cashion's Eat Place in Washington, D.C. If you can't find rockfish fillets, substitute sea bass.

Adapted from Mnemba Island Lodge

To get you in the mood for summer we are grilling these pizzas, but if you aren't able to grill, you can cook them indoors in a grill pan instead.

You will have twice as much of the pesto as you need. You can cut the pesto amount in half, but I encourage you to make the full recipe. It will disappear quickly on bread, toast, or baked potatoes. This salad is even greater if you use your best olive oil.

Peyton Hughes of Iowa City, Iowa, writes: "My extended family met for a reunion in Boston a few months ago. For our last night together, we decided it would be appropriate to have dinner at Finale. I'll never forget the unusual grilled portobello salad." Farro, or spelt, is a cereal grain that's been eaten in southern Europe for ages.

The sauce in this recipe is also good with chicken and ham. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Great on their own or in pastas and salads.

We tried this recipe with several brands and varieties of beans, and Goya's small white beans held their shape the best.