Classic Meatloaf

If you don't see ground veal or ground pork at your grocer, ask the butcher to grind it for you. Choose ground beef that isn't too lean: 85 percent is a good bet. Many groceries carry "meatloaf mix" packages of ground beef, veal, and pork.

• 1 Tbs. vegetable or olive oil; more for the baking sheet
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 3/4 lb. ground beef, 85-percent lean
• 3/4 lb. ground veal
• 3/4 lb. ground pork
• 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 Tbs. Dijon-style mustard
• 1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup fresh plain breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1-1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• About 8 slices raw bacon

Heat the oven to 350°F. In a small skillet, heat the oil; add the onions and cook over medium heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes to soften. Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients except the bacon, and add the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix with a rubber spatula or your hands just until the ingredients are combined. Don't overwork the meat.

Oil a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan, turn the meat mixture out onto the pan, and shape it into a large loaf (I like mine to look like a slightly oval loaf of bread). Or divide the mixture into four equal portions (about 6 oz. each) and shape each portion into an individual meatloaf. Wrap strips of bacon around the shaped loaf, tucking the ends under the loaf.

Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F, 50 to 60 minutes for a large loaf, or 25 to 35 minutes for smaller loaves. Before slicing, let the meatloaf rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow some carryover cooking and to let the juices redistribute. To serve, slice and spoon some of the pan juices over the slices, if you like.

Lemongrass-Ginger Sliders

This traditional recipe, from the Shan state of Burma, is for meat balls made with ground beef or pork flavored with minced lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. But it's easier in a North American kitchen to flatten the balls and cook them as sliders. They cook slowly in a little oil, which gives them a slight crust and succulent interior. Traditionally the meat is chopped by hand, which has a different texture from ground meat, and it's worth trying. You can also chill the meat and use a food processor to grind it.

• 1 lb. boneless beef chuck or boneless pork shoulder, or 1 lb. ground chuck or ground pork
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric
• 2 Tbs. minced lemongrass
• 2 Tbs. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup minced shallots
• 2 Tbs. minced ginger
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup chilled cooked jasmine or other rice
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Roma tomatoes
• About 1/4 cup peanut oil

If using meat that has not been ground: To hand-chop the meat, thinly slice it, then place the slices on a large cutting board. Holding a cleaver in each hand, chop the meat with alternating hands, chopping across the piled meat one way, then another, and repeating until finely chopped. Sprinkle on the turmeric and set aside in a large bowl. Alternatively, to use a food processor, cut the meat into 5 or 6 pieces and place in the freezer for 20 minutes. Transfer the meat to the processor, add the turmeric, and pulse to finely chop. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

If using ground meat: Place in a bowl, sprinkle with the turmeric, and set aside.

To make and cook the sliders, combine the lemongrass, garlic, shallots, ginger, and salt in a large mortar or the food processor and pound or pulse to a coarse paste. Add the rice, chile powder, and tomatoes and pound or pulse again.

Add the flavor paste to the meat and knead it thoroughly into the meat. Shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then flatten each one gently into a thick patty. Set aside on a lightly oiled plate.

Place a large skillet over high heat. Add the oil, then lower the heat to medium-high and add the sliders, being careful not to splash yourself with oil; arrange the first ones around the edges of the skillet and work your way in to the center. Cook for 3 minutes or so, then use a wide metal spatula to turn the sliders over. As the meat starts to release water, raise the heat a little to evaporate it. Remove the sliders from the pan when they are firm to the touch or have reached the degree of doneness you like.

Banh Mi Burger

You can substitute half of the carrots with daikon radish for an even more authentic flavor. To speed up the process you can buy already julienned carrots in the produce section of your supermarket.

• 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch thick matchsticks (about 1-1/2 cup)
• Kosher salt
• 3 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 lb. ground pork
• 1-1/2 Tbs. chili garlic sauce
• 1/2 Tbs. fish sauce
• 1/2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• Canola or vegetable oil for brushing
• 4 crusty rolls, such as French baguettes, split
• 1/4 medium English cucumber, cut into 16-1/8-inch slices
• 1 medium jalapeño, cut into 16 thin slices
• 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
• 4 thin slices of ham
• Mayonnaise

Put the carrots in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1-1/2 tsp. of the sugar and 1/2 tsp. of salt. Using your hands, toss the carrots in the salt and sugar to begin expelling the water from them, about 3 minutes. They will soften and liquid will begin to pool in the bottom of the bowl. The carrots are ready when they can bend easily without snapping in half and they have lost about a third of their volume. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Gently press down on the carrots to push out any additional water.

In the same bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the sugar, the vinegar, and 1/4 cup of lukewarm water and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the carrots to the pickling liquid (the liquid should be covering the carrots) and let sit for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the pork, chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and the remaining 1-1/2 tsp. sugar. Shape into four 4-inch wide, 1/2-inch-thick patties and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Prepare a gas or charcoal grill or a grill pan at medium-high heat. Brush and oil the grates.

Make a thumbprint in the center of each of the burgers and then place on the grill. Grill the first side until grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F, about 3 minutes more.

Remove the burgers from the grill and let rest on a plate. Place the buns on the grill and toast until grill marks form on both sides, about 1 minute per side.

Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on the upper and lower halves of the buns. Lay a burger on the lower bun and top with a quarter of the carrot pickle, 4 cucumber slices, 4 jalapeño slices, a few cilantro leaves, a slice of ham, and the top half of the bun. Repeat with the other 3 burgers and serve.

Turkey-Chorizo Burgers with Guacamole

Adding chorizo to ground turkey boosts its flavor and makes these burgers juicier. Don’t use cured Spanish-style chorizo, though; instead, use the fresh Mexican-style sausage (learn more about the difference).

• 1/2 lb. fresh pork chorizo, casings removed
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• Kosher salt
• Olive oil, for the grill
• 1 medium ripe avocado, seeded and peeled
• 2 tsp. cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 or 3 dashes hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
• 4 rolls, split and toasted
• 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced

Prepare a medium (375°F) gas or charcoal grill fire.

Over a large bowl, break up the chorizo into small pieces. Add the turkey and 1/2 tsp. salt and mix well with your hands. Form into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. Press the center of each patty with 3 fingers to make an indentation to help it keep its shape during cooking.

Oil the grill grates and grill the burgers, covered, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of a burger registers 165°F, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mash the avocado, vinegar, cumin, hot sauce, and 1/2 tsp. salt until fairly smooth.

Spread the guacamole over the bottom of each roll, top with a burger, tomato slices, and the top of the roll and serve.

Carrots and Parsnips with Bacon and Thyme

Bacon adds its smoky goodness to this versatile side dish. Cut the parsnips just a tad bigger than the carrots because they soften more quickly.

• 1 Tbs. fresh orange juice
• 2 tsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp. honey
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3/4 lb. carrots (about 4 medium), peeled and cut into pieces 2 to 2-1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide
• 3/4lb. parsnips (about 4 medium), peeled, halved lengthwise, woody cores
  discarded, and cut into pieces 2-1/2 to 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide
  
  
• 2 large shallots, root ends trimmed, peeled, and cut into 3/4-inch-wide wedges
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme plus 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 2 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• Kosher salt

Combine the orange juice, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, parsnips, shallots, thyme sprigs, bacon, and 1 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are limp and lightly browned and most of the carrots and parsnips have a little bit of brown on them, 8 to 12 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Uncover, turn the heat down to low, and cook, stirring occasionally and then gently pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned, 12 to 16 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in the orange-honey mixture and the thyme leaves, and season to taste with salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.

Indian Summer Gratin with Butternut Squash, Potatoes, Corn, and Bacon

You can make this a day ahead, if you like; the flavors will develop even more overnight. Reheat at 375°F, covered, for 20 minutes.

• 1 Tbs. plus 1/2 tsp. unsalted butter
• 4 slices bacon
• 1-1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt
• 1 large or 2 medium leeks (white and light-green parts only), halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
• 1-3/4 to 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 to 4 large ears)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 12 oz. peeled, seeded butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 8 oz. Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/3-inch dice (about 1-1/2 cups)

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. Rub a 2-quart shallow gratin dish with 1/2 tsp. of the butter.


In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels. Reserve 2 Tbs. of the fat in the skillet; discard the remainder. When the bacon is cool, crumble or mince it.


In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of the crumbled bacon with the breadcrumbs, 2 Tbs. of the Parmigiano, the olive oil, 1/2 tsp. of the thyme, and a large pinch of salt. Mix well.


Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Add the leeks and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring, until softened and just starting to turn golden, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and stir well. Add the corn, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the corn has lost its raw look and is slightly shrunken, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool slightly.


Combine the cream and chicken broth in a 2-cup liquid measure. Add the lemon zest, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to mix well.


In a large bowl, combine the remaining bacon, the corn-leek mixture, the diced squash, potatoes, and remaining 1 tsp. thyme. Toss lightly to combine. Spread the mixture evenly in the gratin dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano on top. Stir the cream mixture one more time and pour it over everything as evenly as possible. (Be sure to scrape out any seasonings left in the cup.) Press down on the vegetables with a spatula so that the liquid surrounds them and everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over all.


Cover with foil and bake for 20?minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the crumb topping is deeply golden and the squash and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. The liquid should have bubbled below the surface of the vegetables, leaving browned bits around the edge of the pan. Let cool for 20 to 25 minutes before serving.

Broiled Ham Steak with a Sweet & Spicy Rosemary Glaze

• 3/4 to 1 lb. ham steak, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
• 1/3 cup orange marmalade
• 1 Tbs. cider vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
• Pinch crushed red chile flakes

Arrange an oven rack so a broiler pan will be able to sit 2 to 3 inches away from the element and heat the broiler on high (or prepare a hot charcoal or gas grill fire).

Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels and set on the broiler pan (or on a plate for transferring to the grill). In a small saucepan, combine the marmalade, vinegar, rosemary, mustard, soy sauce, and chile flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, whisking to combine, for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep warm. Brush one side of the ham with the glaze and broil (or grill) until the glaze is bubbling and browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip, brush on the remaining glaze, and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Corn, Bacon, and Red Pepper Sauté

In this quick side dish, a little bit of salty bacon provides the ideal counterpoint to sweet bell peppers and corn. Serve with grilled chicken or sautéed scallops or shirmp.

• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 slice thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 to 4 medium ears)
• 1/2 cup small-diced red bell pepper
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley 

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 2 minutes. Add the corn, bell pepper, and 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often, until heated through, 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley and serve.

Zucchini Casino

In this creative spin on clams casino, zucchini coins stand in for the bivalves.

• 1/3 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/3 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/3 cup using rasp grater)
• 1 Tbs. minced shallot
• Kosher salt
• 1 small zucchini
• 2 slices bacon

Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, shallot, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1 Tbs. water.

Slice the zucchini crosswise into fifteen 1/4-inch-thick rounds and arrange in a single layer on a small rimmed baking sheet. Using your fingers, mound the breadcrumb mixture on the zucchini rounds, firmly pinching the mixture so it holds together.

Cut the bacon crosswise into fifteen 1-inch pieces and place on top of the breadcrumbs. Broil until the bacon and some of the exposed breadcrumbs are browned and crisp, about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Ham and Polenta Spoonbread

Traditionally served in the South, spoonbread is a savory pudding-like dish that makes hearty breakfast fare (although it’s great for dinner, too). Here, it’s livened up with a dose of fresh herbs.

• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more for the pan
• 3 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
• Kosher salt
• 2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb. leftover roasted fresh ham, chopped (about 2 cups) (or substitute roast pork loin or cured baked ham) 
• 4 oz. fontina, grated (1 cup)
• 2 oz. Asiago, grated (1/2 cup)
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 3 dashes red hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
• Freshly ground black pepper

Tip:

If you substitute cured ham for the fresh ham, you might want to reduce the amount of salt in the spoonbread.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 6-cup baking dish, preferably oval.


Bring the milk and 1/2 tsp. salt to a simmer in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the polenta. Continue whisking until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.


Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft, about 15 minutes. Add the ham and stir often until warmed through, about 2 minutes.


Stir the ham mixture, cheeses, egg yolks, basil, oregano, thyme, hot pepper sauce, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper into the polenta; mix well.


In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Fold the beaten egg whites into the polenta and then spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Cut the remaining 2 Tbs. butter into pieces and dot on top.


Bake until brown and puffed, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving with a large spoon.

Sausage and Egg Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Tortillas stuffed with spicy chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potatoes are topped off with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese for a breakfast that will keep you warm all day. The heat level on this dish is adjustable—if you prefer a milder dish, use only half a jalapeño in the sauce and leave out the green chiles.

For the tomatillo sauce

• 2 lb. fresh tomatillos, husked and rinsed in warm water
• 1 medium jalapeño, stemmed
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the enchiladas

• 2 to 3 Tbs. vegetable oil; more for the baking dish
• 1 small russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 3/4 lb. fresh, raw chorizo, casings removed and meat crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 4-oz. can diced green chiles, drained (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 16 6-inch corn tortillas
• 4 oz. Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

The night before

Make the sauce
Put the tomatillos and the jalapeño in a 4-quart saucepan and add water to within 1 inch of the top. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the tomatillos occasionally, until they’re khakigreen all over and very tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatillos to a blender. Halve the jalapeño, and add one half to the blender. Add the cilantro, garlic, cumin, and 2 tsp. salt and purée (you should still see the tomatillo seeds). Taste and blend in the other jalapeño half if you prefer a spicier sauce. Add the cream and pulse to blend. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Oil a 9x13–inch baking dish and set aside.

Add the potato and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile,cook the chorizo in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-highheat, breaking up the meat, until cooked through, about 4 minutes. Use aslotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a large bowl. Discard all but 1Tbs. fat from the pan. (If there’s less than 1 Tbs. of fat, add a bit
of the vegetable oil.)

Set the skillet over medium heat. Add the
bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened,
about 5 minutes. Stir in the potato and then cook undisturbed until
browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mixture to the chorizo.
Add the green chiles, if using.

Whisk the eggs, 1 tsp. salt, and
several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in the
skillet over low heat and cook until the foam subsides. Add the eggs andcook without stirring until they begin to set on the bottom, about 20
seconds. Draw a wooden spoon across the pan a few times to form large
curds. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are
barely set and still quite moist, 1 to 2 minutes—do not cook through.
Add the eggs to the chorizo mixture.

Stir 1 cup of the tomatillo sauce into the eggchorizo mixture. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate.

Brushboth sides of one tortilla with oil and put on a microwaveable plate.
Oil the remaining tortillas on one side and stack, oiled side up. Cover
with a paper towel and microwave the tortillas until warm and pliable, 1to 1-1/2 minutes. Arrange about 1/3 cup of the egg mixture in a line
down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place each filled
tortilla seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish withplastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the enchiladas, pour the remaining tomatillo sauce evenly over them, and top with the cheese. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes and then serve with the sour cream, if using.

Tacos with Pork in Green Sauce (Tacos de Cerdo en Salsa Verde)

The acidity of the tomatillos beautifully balances the fat of the pork shoulder in these tacos, so there is no need for lime wedges when serving them. The onion and additional cilantro provide crunch and fragrance.

For the pork in green sauce

• 1-1⁄2 lb. tomatillos (15 to 18), husked and rinsed
• 2 serrano or jalapeño chiles, stemmed
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 3 allspice berries
• 1 whole clove
• 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled
• 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1-1⁄2 tsp. salt, divided
• 3 lb. pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil

For the tacos

• 15 to 20 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
• chopped white onion, for garnish
• chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Mexican crema or sour cream, for garnish

In a 3-quart saucepan, cover the tomatillos and chiles with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the vegetables uncovered, turning occasionally, until the tomatillos are tender and khaki-green all over but still intact, about 15 minutes.

Heat the cumin, allspice berries, and clove in a small, dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan or stirring the spices until they are fragrant and the cumin seeds are a few shades darker, about 1 minute.

Put the spices in a blender along with 1 cup of the tomatillo cooking water and blend until the spices are ground. Using a slotted spoon, gently lift the tomatillos and chiles out of the remaining cooking water and put them in the blender along with the garlic, cilantro, and 1⁄2 tsp. salt. Blend until smooth.

Pat the pork dry and season with the remaining 1 tsp. salt.

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy 4- to 5-quart pot over medium-high heat and brown the pork in batches without crowding, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes per batch.

Return all the meat to the pan and add the tomatillo sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring to coat the meat, then reduce the heat. Simmer the pork, covered, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce is thickened, 1-1⁄2 to 2 hours. If necessary, continue to cook uncovered to thicken the sauce. Shred the meat with two forks.

Make the tacos with the tortillas, onion, cilantro, and crema.

Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Grilled Pepper Relish

Round out this quick sweet-and-spicy pork dinner with white rice.

• 1 Tbs. five-spice powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil, for brushing
• 2 12- to 16-oz. pork tenderloins
• 2 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (or a mix), quartered lengthwise, stemmed, and seeded
• 2 Tbs. plain rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce
• 1 tsp. packed dark brown sugar
• 1 small clove garlic, mashed to a paste
• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

Prepare a medium-high (425°F to 450°F) gas or charcoal grill fire.

In a small bowl, combine the five-spice powder, 2 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper. Lightly brush the tenderloins with oil, then sprinkle with the spice mixture. Brush the pepper quarters with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the tenderloins, turning a quarter turn every 3 to 4 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 140°F to 145°F, 15 to 18 minutes.

Meanwhile, grill the peppers skin-side down until grill marks form on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip the peppers and continue to grill until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes more.

Let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the pepper quarters.

In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Stir in the peppers and scallions.

Cut the pork crosswise on a diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve with the relish.

Orecchiette with Ham and Peas in Cheese Sauce

In this dressed-up macaroni and cheese, orecchiette takes the place of tiny elbows, peas and ham add flavor and texture, and Grana Padano stands in for the usual Cheddar.

• 1 lb. orecchiette or other small shell pasta 
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, more for the dish 
• 1 large shallot, finely diced (about 1/4 cup) 
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 2 cups freshly grated Grana Padano
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. Tabasco
• 3/4 lb. ham steak, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbs. olive oil

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and add the pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta well, and return the pasta to the pot.

Meanwhile, for the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium (3-quart) saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until it turns golden and smells nutty, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk in a slow, steady stream, and cook, whisking occasionally to avoid sticking on the bottom of the pan, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in all but 1/2 cup of Grana Padano, the thyme, 1-1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the Tabasco. Stir the ham and peas into the sauce; taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Stir 1/4 cup of the pasta water into the béchamel so it loosens a bit and then toss with the pasta in the pasta pot. Add more pasta water as needed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake the pasta until it bubbles and browns around the edges, about 20 minutes (cover with foil if the top browns too quickly). Let cool for a couple of minutes and then serve.

Penne with Crisp Prosciutto, Zucchini and Corn

Sautéing the prosciutto in a skillet crisps and intensifies its texture and flavor so it becomes like a refined version of bacon. Instead of overpowering the dish, the prosciutto complements the sweetness of the corn, brightness of the mint, and delicate flavor of the zucchini.

• Kosher salt
• 5 Tbs. olive oil
• 8 thin slices prosciutto (about 4 oz.), cut into strips
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (1 cup)
• 2 small zucchini (about 3/4 lb.), trimmed, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 2 ears corn, shucked and kernels sliced off (about 1 cup), or 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano
• 3 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• 1 lb. penne
• 2 tsp. sherry vinegar or cider vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, put 2 Tbs. oil and the prosciutto in a large (12-inch) skillet, place over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the prosciutto browns in places and becomes crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the prosciutto to a large plate lined with paper towels.

Add 1 Tbs. oil and the onion to the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens completely and turns light brown, about 6 minutes; add 1 or 2 Tbs. water to the skillet if the onion starts to stick or burn. Add the zucchini and corn, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook, tossing occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in half the Pecorino-Romano and all the mint.

Add the penne to the pot of boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Add the pasta, the remaining 2 Tbs. oil, the vinegar, and 1 tsp. black pepper to the skillet with the zucchini and corn mixture. Set the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 1 minute so the pasta mixes with the vegetables. Add the reserved pasta water and stir. Serve sprinkled with the crisp prosciutto and the remaining Pecorino-Romano.

“7-6-5” Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This master grilling recipe works perfectly, no matter how you flavor the pork. Choose one of the glazes I suggest for a beautiful crust, or use your own favorite dry rub, as long as it’s low in salt. Be sure to buy pork tenderloins that haven’t been treated or soaked in any kind of solution by the producer.

• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 pork tenderloins (about 2 pounds total)
• 1 recipe concentrated fruit glaze (use Sweet Chili Glaze, Rosemary-Orange Glaze, Curry-Apple Glaze, or one of your own creations)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 recipe Fruit Salsa, Orange Balsamic Sauce, or Mango Chutney Sauce  for serving (optional)

Brine the tenderloins

In a medium bowl, mix salt and sugar with 1 quart cool water until dissolved. Trim the tenderloins of excess fat and silverskin and submerge them in the brine; let stand about 45 minutes. Remove the pork from the brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.

Season and grill

Rub the brined tenderloins all over with the glaze and then season with the pepper. Or, season to taste with another flavoring of your choice.

Heat a gas grill, turning all the burners to high until the grill is fully heated, 10 to 15 minutes.

Put the pork on the hot grill grate. Close the lid and grill for 7 minutes. Turn the pork over, close the lid, and grill for another 6 minutes. Turn off the heat (keep the lid closed) and continue to cook the pork for another 5 minutes. At this point, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the thickest end of the tenderloin should read 145° to 150°F. (If not, close the lid and let the pork continue to roast in the residual grill heat.) Remove the pork from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before carving. Cut across the grain into 1/2-inch slices and serve immediately, with the sauce of your choice.

Sautéed Chayote with Sweet Onion and Bacon

In this quick side dish, the chayote remains crisp and juicy, even as it takes on the rich flavors of garlic and bacon. A hit of lemon juice at the end lends brightness.

• 3 slices bacon (about 2 oz.), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1-1/2 lb. chayote (about 2 large), peeled, quartered lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• 1 medium sweet onion (about 8 oz.), thinly sliced into half-moons
• 3 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 2 Tbs. dry white wine
• 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1 to 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a 12-inch skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Add the chayote, onion, and garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet and toss to coat. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the chayote and onion begin to brown slightly, about 10 minutes.

Add the wine, rosemary, and thyme; continue to cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the chayote is tender, about 8 minutes more.

Remove from the heat, stir in the bacon, and season to taste with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve.

Homemade Mexican Chorizo

Mexican chorizo is a fresh raw sausage made with dried chiles, garlic, spices, salt, and vinegar. Unlike Spanish-style chorizo, which is cured, it must be cooked before using. It can be more difficult to find than Spanish chorizo, but it's easy to make yourself with this recipe.

• 4 large cloves garlic
• Kosher salt
• 2 lb. ground fatty pork shoulder
• 6 tbs. guajillo or New Mexican chile powder
• 1-1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1-1.2 Tbs. dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar

Mince 4 large cloves garlic and mash to a paste with 2 ‡tsp. kosher salt. Put 2‡ lb. ground fatty pork shoulder in a large bowl along with the garlic paste, 6 ‡Tbs. guajillo or New Mexican chile powder, 1-1/2 ‡tsp. cayenne, 1-1/2  ‡Tbs. dried oregano (preferably Mexican), 1 ‡tsp. ground cumin, 1/2 ‡tsp. ground allspice, 1/2 ‡tsp. freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4cup cider vinegar.

Knead the mixture with your hands until well combined (wear disposable
gloves, since the chiles can irritate your skin). Cover the bowl with
plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 ‡hours to season.

Pernil-Style Pork Tenderloin

Pernil is a brightly flavored roast pork dish from the Caribbean. This version uses quick-cooking tenderloin in place of the more traditional pork shoulder, but it has the same robust flavorings, including garlic, cumin, oregano, vinegar, and lime.

• 3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 small shallots, coarsely chopped
• 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1-1/4-lb. pork tenderloin
• 4 lime wedges

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F.

In a food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, 3 Tbs. of the oil, the vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, sugar, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Pulse for several seconds to make a paste.

Cut the tenderloin in half crosswise and then butterfly both halves by holding a knife parallel to the cutting board and cutting a lengthwise slit to within 1/2 inch of the other side of the tenderloin. Spread 1 Tbs. of the paste inside each slit. Tie with kitchen string or secure with toothpicks and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a heavy-duty, ovenproof, 10-inch skillet over high heat until hot and add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil, swirling the pan to coat the bottom. Add the tenderloins and sear on all sides until golden-brown, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 8 minutes. Turn the tenderloins over and spread the remaining paste on top. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each registers 145°F, about 6 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board, remove the string or toothpicks, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice 1/2 inch thick and serve with the lime wedges.

Pork Chops with Cranberry-Maple Pan Sauce

Fresh cranberries color the sauce a vibrant red, and their tart edge is a perfect counterpoint to the sweet maple syrup.

• 4 1-inch-thick bone-in pork chops (about 2-1/2 lb.)
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp. cider vinegar
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Pat the pork dry and season with 1 tsp. of the thyme, 1-1/4 tsp. salt, and 3/4 tsp. pepper.

Heat the oil in a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering hot. Add the pork chops and cook without moving until the pork is browned around the edges and easily releases when you lift a corner, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pork chops and continue to cook until firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into a chop close to but not touching the bone registers 140°F, about 9 minutes.

Transfer the chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Add the cranberries, chicken broth, maple syrup, cider vinegar, mustard,  and the remaining 1 tsp. thyme to the skillet and raise the heat to medium high. Cook, whisking to incorporate the mustard and any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the cranberries soften and the liquid has reduced to a saucy consistency, about 7 minutes.

Return the pork chops and any accumulated juice to the skillet, turning to coat both sides. Serve the pork chops with the sauce.