Sauces recipes

Crispy fried rice sticks tossed with stir-fried snow peas, bean sprouts, dried mushrooms, and a curry-chicken broth sauce. A crunchy, savory Asian noodle dish served with soy sauce.

Eggplant lasagna with broiled eggplant and zucchini layered with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spaghetti sauce. A no-noodle, low-carb lasagna that freezes well.

Florentine spaghetti bake layers Italian sausage marinara, cooked spaghetti, a spinach-cottage cheese ricotta-style filling, and mozzarella for a baked Italian-American pasta casserole.

A no-cook Chinese chicken pita sandwich stuffed with chopped chicken, fresh bean sprouts, scallions, and sesame seeds with a soy-ginger dressing. The perfect packed lunch ready in 5 minutes.

Tuna chili Texas-style with kidney beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and red wine vinegar. A quick microwave chili that swaps ground beef for canned tuna.

Everyone loves this dish, even those who don't particularly like egg plant. The flavor virtually explodes with a lively combination of sweet, spicy, tart and savory followed by the refreshing crunch of fresh water chestnuts. Serve as a side dish or first course for Western menus.

Pork and shrimp pad Thai tossed in a tangy fish sauce and rice vinegar glaze, then finished with crunchy toasted peanuts, mung bean sprouts, scallions and a wedge of fresh lime.

You can serve this dish hot or cold. We prefer the crab balls hot, when their exterior is crisp and the meat hot and moist. They also go better with the vinegar dip when hot. If you prefer to serve them cold or at room temperature, delete the dip, or substitute something like mustard and catsup.

Party cheese log made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar, seasoned with Worcestershire and red pepper, rolled in pecans and parsley. A make-ahead appetizer that chills overnight.

Mai fun chicken salad with rice noodles, napa cabbage, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas, and a hoisin-ginger-sesame dressing. A fresh, no-cook Asian chicken salad.

Ground lamb patties seasoned with rosemary and hot sauce, seared golden then simmered over Provencal vegetables with zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Provençal aioli platter: poached cod, beef carpaccio, blanched vegetables, baby potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs arranged around homemade garlic aioli. The summer party centerpiece.

Vegan vegetable lasagna stacked with mashed tofu ricotta, sauteed mushrooms, cauliflower, swiss chard, and tomato sauce. A dairy-free, plant-packed casserole that holds its own against the classic.

Rhubarb bulgur pilaf with dried apricots, cinnamon, and a kick of cayenne. A vegetarian grain dish balancing tart rhubarb with sweet fruit and warm spices.

.

Seared sea scallops with fresh pineapple, ginger, basil, and soy sauce in a light cornstarch glaze. A quick, healthy stir-fry served over jasmine rice.