Vegan

Mangoes are a delicious tropical addition to this tangy-sweet dish.

Pair this with a green salad for a light lunch.

For a simple dinner, present this flavorful soup with some warm crusty bread and a mixed green salad.

This cool salsa is the ideal accompaniment for grilled shrimp.

I love many versions of baked stuffed tomatoes, but the simple recipe of Torquato Innocenti, who sells tomatoes in Florence's Piazza Santo Spirito market, is my favorite. Nothing more than garlic, basil or parsley, and "good oil" fills the tomatoes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili oil used. Serve with swordfish, tuna or fried wonton chips.

Although several varieties of basil are used in Southeast Asia, the most common-called rau que in Vietnam and bai gaprow in Thailand-is generally referred to as Thai basil in Asian markets on this side of the Pacific. The leaves are slightly darker and narrower than the more familiar Italian basil and have purple stems and flowers. Rau que has a distinctively pungent anise flavor, but Italian basil is a perfectly acceptable substitute.

For snacking, try this tropical topper with Hawaiian lavash crackers, or serve over grilled chicken.

A quick low-fat, no-cholesterol side dish.

Fragrant five-spice powder enhances the Asian accent in this marinade. Use it to marinate beef or chicken, and brush with the marinated while grilling. It is also delicious with seafood, but only needs to be brushed on during grilling. The recipe makes enough to marinate one pound of meat, poultry or seafood, with some left over to pass alongside. Any marinade coming in contact with raw meat, seafood or poultry must be boiled for one minute before using it for basting.

This simple starter is delicious served with crusty Italian bread.