Salt 6 thin leeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise and washed 4 tablespoons butter, softened 4 anchovy fillets, drained 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 teaspoon chopped basil 1 tablespoon chopped shallot 1 teaspoon lemon juice, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper.

GREEN PAPAYA SALAD 1 green papaya 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 recipe vinaigrette (see recipe) 12 drops Tabasco, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper.

Flaming Red Pepper Terrine Preparation time: 12 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes 1 cup red pepper puree (see Micro-Tip) 1 cup skim-milk ricotta cheese 2 eggs 2 egg whites Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Red Pepper Soup Preparation time: 5 minutes 2 1/2 cups red pepper puree (see Micro-Tip) 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Pickled-Ginger Baked Salmon 4 8-ounce fillets salmon 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste 24 slices pickled ginger (available in specialty stores) 4 slices smoked salmon.

We started off well, as the crisp tortilla chips and red salsa dip both tasted freshly made (though the salsa needed more zip).

Oat-and-Leek Soup 4 pounds beef, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 6 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 pounds leeks, trimmed of roots and green parts 2 cups rolled oats 2/3 cup parsley.

Tomato Vinaigrette for Snap Peas 1 medium tomato, chopped 1/2 shallot, chopped 1/2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons olive oil 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper.

Tuna with Tomatoes Total Time: 15 minutes 6 canned plum tomatoes, drained, squeezed and coarsely chopped 1 1/2 pounds tuna steak, 1-inch thick 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice kosher salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste 6 large basil leaves.

Scrod with Clams Livornese Total Time: 17 minutes 1 1/2 pounds scrod fillet, 1/2-inch thick 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons white wine kosher salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper 16 littleneck clams, well scrubbed 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled.