Apple Tarts with Apple Ice

A marriage of sweet, tart, warm, and cold. (By Traci Des Jardins)

Rhubarb Muffins with Cardamom Streusel

Delicate muffins studded with rhubarb and topped with a crispy cardamom streusel. (By Kate Ramos)

Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches

Lovely as a tea sandwich or on its own. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Fried Plantains

A Cuban sweet-savory side. (By Randy Zweiban)

Vietnamese-Style Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Fresh, summery ingredients in a neatly wrapped package. (By Regan Burns)

Lamb Meatballs with Lemon-Cumin Yogurt

Mediterranean flavors liven up an easy party appetizer. (By Amy Wisniewski)

Round Robin

Rock the Round Robin for a sweet absinthe tail. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Cedar-Planked Salmon with Herbed Yogurt Sauce

Impress your guests with broiled salmon in a tangy yogurt sauce. (By Amy Wisniewski)

Leftover Chinese Takeout Rice Pudding

Lowbrow but good chow. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies

Mexican chocolate and cayenne lend exotic spice. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Orange Marmalade Truffles

Silky chocolate truffles dotted with chewy bits of orange marmalade and rolled in cocoa powder. (By Kate Ramos)

Butternut Squash Lasagne

Loaded with chestnut, Gorgonzola, and fontina for an impressive vegetarian meal. (By Kate Ramos)

CHOW Pancetta

Why buy pancetta when making it yourself is so easy and fun? (By Regan Burns)

Basic Tortilla Chips

Salty, crunchy corn chips that are begging to be dunked in salsa or topped with cheese for homemade nachos. (By Kate Ramos)

Chili con Carne

Also called “bowl of red” by Texans, this stew of meat, onions, and tomatoes has a Spanish name but originated in the Lone Star State. (By Amy Wisniewski)