Scallop and Shrimp Shiu Mai Dumplings

These tiny purse-shaped dumplings, which are a staple of Chinese dim sum, make the perfect party food, since they can be made in a big batch, frozen, and steamed just before guests arrive. Not a fan of seafood? Try the pork-filled variety.

• 1/2 lb. dry-packed, fresh sea scallops, tough muscle removed from each scallop
• 1/2 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup thinly sliced napa cabbage, plus extra leaves for lining the steamer
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions (both white and green parts)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce 
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped garlic
• 1 Tbs. rice vinegar 
• 1 Tbs. cornstarch; more for dusting 
• 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar 
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 large egg white
• 55 to 60 shiu mai wrappers or wonton wrappers
• Soy Dipping Sauce, for serving

Assemble the shiu mai:

Pulse the shrimp and scallops in a food processor until almost smooth, about 12
pulses. Transfer to a large bowl, and stir in the sliced cabbage, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, 1 Tbs. cornstarch, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, and egg white.

Sprinkle a rimmed baking sheet liberally with cornstarch. Set a small bowl of water on the work surface. If the wrappers are larger than 3 inches across in any direction, trim them with a cookie cutter to 3-inch rounds. Otherwise, leave as squares or rectangles.

Working with one wrapper at a time, and keeping the remaining wrappers
covered with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out, place a heaping
teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper. Using a
pastry brush or your fingers, dab a bit of water around the edge of the
wrapper to moisten. Crimp the wrapper up and around the filling,
squeezing slightly with your fingers to bring the wrapper together like abeggar’s pouch.

Place on the cornstarch-coated baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you run out of one or the other. You can steam the shiu mai immediately or freeze and steam them later (see Make-Ahead Tips, below).

Cook the shiu mai:

Set up a steamer with 2 inches of water in the bottom. Line the basket with cabbage leaves to keep the shiu mai from sticking. Set over medium-high heat and cover. When steam begins to escape from the steamer, remove from the heat and carefully take off the lid. Arrange the shiu mai in the steamer so that they don’t touch, as they will stick together (you’ll have to cook them in batches). Cover the steamer and return to medium-high heat. Steam until the pork is cooked through (cut into one to check), 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Vinaigrette

Use any leftover vinaigrette as a salad dressing or as a marinade for grilled chicken.

• 1-1/4 lb. green beans, trimmed and rinsed
• 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbs. mayonnaise or heavy cream
• 1 Tbs. minced shallots
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

Steam the green beans until tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise, shallots, salt, and pepper. Add the oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly until the vinaigrette is well blended. Toss the cooked beans with the red pepper and enough vinaigrette to coat, about 1/3 cup. Serve warm, with extra vinaigrette on the side, if you like.

Warm Potatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

Although this dressing can be whisked by hand, I prefer to use a food processor, which mixes it to a wonderful shade of green.

• 1-3/4 lb. small red potatoes, scrubbed
• 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
• 1 small clove garlic
• 3 Tbs. red-wine vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup canola oil

Steam the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. With the machine running, gradually add the oil until completely incorporated. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, halve or quarter them, depending on their size. Put them in a serving bowl and drizzle with about 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette. Serve warm, with extra vinaigrette on the side, if you like.

Shaved Watermelon Radish and Asparagus Salad with Castelvetrano Olives and Gouda

This salad is a beautiful mosaic of complementary textures and fresh spring flavors. Look for magenta-centered watermelon radishes at farmers’ markets. If you can’t track them down, substitute another radish variety. Castelvetranos are big, buttery, bright green olives that are found at most specialty markets. White balsamic vinegar adds sweet acidity without the dark color of regular balsamic, allowing the vibrant colors of this dish to shine.

• 60 medium-large asparagus spears, ends trimmed or snapped away
• 2 cups Castelvetrano olives
• Good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for dressing
• White balsamic vinegar for dressing
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked pepper
• 4 medium watermelon radishes, trimmed
• 5 oz. Gouda or other semifirm cheese

Have ready a steamer rack and a pan of simmering water. Fill a large bowl with ice water and place near the stove. Line a platter with a double thickness of paper towels and place near the ice water. Working in batches, arrange about one-third of the asparagus on the steamer rack and place the rack over the water, making sure the water is 1 inch or so below the rack. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and steam the asparagus until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, immediately transfer the asparagus to the bowl of ice water. Let cool for a few minutes and then transfer the asparagus to the towel-lined platter and blot dry. Repeat with the remaining asparagus, steaming and cooling them in two batches.

Using a sharp paring knife, slice each asparagus spear in half lengthwise, or in thirds if the spears are particularly thick. Set aside.

Pit the olives by crushing them with the side of a chef’s knife or otherhard, flat object. Work the pits out with your fingers and discard.
Place the olives back into the olive juice (to keep their bright green
color) and refrigerate until needed.

Place the asparagus in a bowl
and toss with just enough olive oil to coat without leaving a puddle at
the bottom of the bowl. Drizzle with a splash of vinegar, season with
salt and pepper, and then gently toss again. Arrange the asparagus on a
platter or divide among individual salad plates.

Using a mandoline set on the narrowest setting, shave the radishes into rounds and place in a bowl. Toss the radish slices with just enough olive oil to coat, add a splash of vinegar, and then season with salt and pepper and toss again. Spread the radish slices across the center of the plated asparagus. Drain the olives and scatter them around the platter or plates. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin slices of the cheese over the top. Garnish with pepper and serve immediately.

Green Beans and Carrots in Charmoula Sauce

Charmoula is a North African pesto of sorts, usually made from garlic, cumin, fresh herbs, oil, and lemon juice. Here, paprika adds a warm note to the mix. This vibrant side dish tastes great hot, warm, or at room temperature. 

• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 oz. fresh cilantro (about 2 cups)
• 1 oz. fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 1 cup)
• 6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. sweet or hot paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• Sea salt
• 2 lb. slender green beans, trimmed
• 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into thin 4-inch-long sticks
   
• Freshly ground black pepper

Chop the garlic in a food processor. Add the cilantro and parsley and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, ground cumin, and 3/4 tsp. salt. Pulse until the sauce has the consistency of rough pesto. Season to taste with salt.

In a large pot fitted with a steamer insert, bring an inch of water to a boil over high heat. Steam the green beans, covered, until just tender, 4 to 7 minutes. Pull the steamer basket from the pot, shake to remove excess water, and transfer the beans to a large serving bowl; cover to keep warm. Add the carrots to the basket and steam, covered, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer them to the bowl with the beans.

Toss the vegetables with about three-quarters of the charmoula sauce. Season to taste with more sauce, salt, and pepper.

Colcannon

This most celebrated of Irish potato dishes exists in numerous variations, depending on the season, the region of the country, and of course personal taste. It is often made with just butter, milk, and kale, but the scholar P. W. Joyce defines "caulcannon" as "potatoes mashed with butter and milk, with chopped up cabbage and pot-herbs." Mary Ward, when she makes colcannon at her house in Nenagh, County Tipperary, starts with a trip to the kitchen garden, armed with a basket and a pair of shears. This is her recipe.

• 2 to 2-1/2 lb. russet or other floury potatoes (5 or 6)
• 6 to 8 Tbs. butter
• 2 to 3 lightly packed cups chopped kale or assorted chopped greens (such as kale, parsley, sorrel, spinach, and/or broccoli or cauliflower leaves)
• 1-1/3 cups milk
• 4 scallions, green part only, minced
• Salt and pepper

Put the potatoes into a large pot, with the larger ones on the bottom, and add water to come halfway up the potatoes. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. When the water begins to boil, carefully drain off about half of it, then return the pot to the heat, cover it again, reduce the heat to low, and let the potatoes steam for about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat; cover the potatoes with a clean, damp tea towel; and let sit for 5 minutes more.

Melt 4 Tbs. of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kale or assorted greens and cook until just wilted, about 5 minutes.

Combine the milk, scallions, and remaining butter in a medium pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the greens and stir in well. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and set aside.

Drain and carefully peel the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Add the greens and their liquid and mash until smooth, leaving a few small lumps in the potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve in the traditional Irish manner, push the back of a large soup spoon down in the middle of each portion to make a crater, then put a large pat of room-temperature butter into each one to make a "lake." Diners dip each forkful of colcannon into the butter until its walls are breached.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Thyme

• 1-1/2 Tbs. olive oil; more if needed
• 2 thick slices bacon (about 3 oz.), cut into thin strips
• 1 large shallot, cut into 1/4-inch disks
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts (about 25), tough outer leaves discarded; sprouts quartered through the stem (or halved if small)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water; more if needed
• 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbs. real maple syrup
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Turn on the exhaust fan. Heat a 12-inch skillet or large wok over medium heat, put in the olive oil and bacon, and cook until the bacon is slightly browned and crisp, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Increase the heat to high and heat the pan for 20 seconds. If the bacon hasn’t rendered much fat, add another 1 Tbs. oil and then add the shallot, garlic, and Brussels sprouts. Season well with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the sprouts begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low, carefully add the water (it will steam) and thyme, and cover the pan with the lid ajar. Cook until the sprouts are tender, about 5 minutes. (If the water evaporates before the sprouts are done, add more, 1 Tbs. at a time). Add the maple syrup, lemon juice, and reserved bacon. Swirl in the butter, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Balsamic-Glazed Green Beans

Green beans (especially larger ones) can take a while to cook, so sear them well.

• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 10 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 shallot, cut into 1/4-inch disks
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water; more if needed
• 1 Tbs, unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 Tbs. sliced almonds, toasted

Combine 1 Tbs. of the balsamic vinegar with the sugar in a small bowl and mix well; set aside. Turn on the exhaust fan and heat a heavy 12-inch skillet or large wok over high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan is hot, pour in the oil and, a few seconds later, add the green beans, garlic, and shallot. Season the beans well with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until they brown and shrivel slightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, carefully add the water (it will steam), and a few seconds later add the vinegar mixture. Stir the beans and cover the pan with the lid ajar. Cook until the beans are tender but still have a slight crunch, about 4 minutes. (If the water evaporates before the beans are done, add more, 1 Tbs. at a time.) Stir in the remaining 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar. Add the butter and almonds and swirl the pan just until the butter is melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Slightly Spicy Sugar Snap Peas with Mint & Lime

Rather than letting an opened jar of curry paste languish in the fridge, try this unconventional approach of using the paste like a condiment for pan-steamed snap peas. The peas have a mild, slow-burning heat, but if you like things hotter, try doubling the curry paste. This treatment is also good with green beans or broccoli, though you may want to leave out the mint.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp. Thai red curry paste
• 3/4 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 2 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh mint
• 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
• Kosher salt

Heat 1 Tbs. of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the butter melts, add the curry paste and mash it around with the back of a fork until it’s mostly broken up and distributed through the butter. Add the peas and toss with tongs to coat in the butter. Add 1/3 cup water, cover with the lid slightly ajar, raise the heat to medium high, and steam until the peas are almost tender, about 5 min. Remove the lid and let any remaining liquid boil off. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. butter, the mint, and the lime juice. Season to taste with salt and serve

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Hot Green Peppers

Couscous is a fine pellet made from semolina flour, each golden grain a bit larger than the head of a pin. Some chefs call it “Moroccan pasta” because it is made with the same durum wheat used to make pasta. Here, cooked couscous is combined with roasted green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The resulting salad is similar to Middle Eastern tabouleh and perfect for a summer picnic.

• 1-1/2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 green bell peppers, roasted and diced 
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 hot green or red chili pepper (jalapeño or serrano), minced 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
• 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wash the couscous in cold water and drain immediately. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat water in the bottom of a soup pot fitted with a steamer. The steamer should fit snugly into the pot, and the bottom of the steamer should not touch the water. Line the steamer with 3 layers of cheesecloth that cover both the bottom and the sides of the steamer and go up over the top. Add the couscous to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes, fluffing the grains halfway through the cooking.

Remove the couscous from the steamer and put it into a baking pan. Combine the water and salt. Sprinkle the couscous with the salt water. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Place the steamer back in the soup pot and return the couscous to the cheesecloth-lined steamer. Steam slowly for 15 minutes. Remove the steamer and the couscous. Let the couscous cool completely.

The couscous can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance.

Place the couscous in a bowl and add the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat and Cayenne

Here, the classic deviled egg filling is made even tastier with sweet crab, sherry, Worcestershire sauce and a hit of cayenne. Set these kicked-up nibbles on a platter at your next party and watch them disappear. Luckily for your guests, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.  

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dry sherry
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Big pinch cayenne
• 2 oz. crabmeat picked over and shredded (scant 1/4 cup)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Paprika for sprinkling (optional)

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne and continue to mash until smooth. Gently stir in the crabmeat and season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little paprika, if you wish.

Bacon and Smoked Paprika Deviled Eggs

This bacon-and-egg combination is a sophisticated take on a classic appetizer. The bacon adds flavor as well as texture to the filling, and you can dial the hot sauce up or down for just the right amount of heat. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. 

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika, for garnish

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, parsley, and hot pepper sauce and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little smoked paprika.

Bacon and Smoked Paprika Deviled Eggs

This bacon-and-egg combination is a sophisticated take on a classic appetizer. The bacon adds flavor as well as texture to the filling, and you can dial the hot sauce up or down for just the right amount of heat. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. 

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika, for garnish

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, parsley, and hot pepper sauce and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little smoked paprika.

Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat and Cayenne

Here, the classic deviled egg filling is made even tastier with sweet crab, sherry, Worcestershire sauce and a hit of cayenne. Set these kicked-up nibbles on a platter at your next party and watch them disappear. Luckily for your guests, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.  

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dry sherry
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Big pinch cayenne
• 2 oz. crabmeat picked over and shredded (scant 1/4 cup)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Paprika for sprinkling (optional)

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne and continue to mash until smooth. Gently stir in the crabmeat and season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little paprika, if you wish.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt (optional)

Wash the rice well by putting it in a bowl and covering it with cool water. Swish the rice around with your hand until the water gets cloudy. Drain and repeat until the water gets only slightly cloudy; usually it takes about three rinses.

Drain the rice, put it in a small (1-qt) metal bowl, and stir in 1 cup cold water and the salt, if using. Fit a rack or steaming trivet into a pot large enough to accommodate the bowl. Pour about an inch of water into the pot. Put the bowl of rice on the rack (it shouldn’t touch the water in the pot), cover the pot, and bring the water in the pot to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water in the pot begins to boil, set a timer for 25 minutes and reduce the heat to maintain a steady amount of steam. When the timer goes off, take the pot off the heat and use tongs or a hot pad to remove the hot bowl from the pot. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Mussels Steamed with Leeks, Tomatoes & Garlic

Even cooks who serve fish as part of their regular dinner rotation sometimes forget how quick, easy, and satisfying shellfish can be. Mussels, especially, are best prepared simply with a fragrant broth, aromatics, and a loaf of fresh, crusty bread for sopping up the broth. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

• 2 medium leeks
• 3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 14.5-oz. can petite-diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 lb. mussels, scrubbed well
• 1 loaf crusty artisan-style bread, sliced

Tip:

Clean mussels just before cooking by scrubbing them well under cold water. Don’t soak mussels. Pull off and discard any fibrous “beards” attached to any of the mussels. While scrubbing, try sliding the shells apart. If the mussel is dead or full of mud it will slide open and should be discarded. Also discard mussels with gaping shells that don’t close as they warm up or when squeezed or poked.

Trim the dark-green leaves and root ends from the leeks. Split the leeks lengthwise and rinse them well under cold running water. Slice them crosswise into about 1/2-inch-thick half-moons.

In a large, heavy pot, cook the leeks, garlic, and bay leaf in the oil over medium heat, stirring often, until the leeks begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and their juices, tarragon, and pepper flakes and simmer to meld the flavors for 5 minutes. (This mixture can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead and left out at room temperature.)

When you’re ready to cook the mussels, return the leek mixture to a boil over high heat. Add the mussels, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mussels open, 3 to 8 minutes. Spoon the mussels, broth, and vegetables into large bowls and serve with the bread for dipping in the broth.

Couscous with Ginger, Orange, Almond & Herbs

Studded with flavor, this side dish will make a simple sautéed chicken breast special. To reheat, put the couscous in a heatproof serving dish, cover with foil, and put in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 min.

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 Tbs. finely minced fresh ginger
• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges), strained
• 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 9 oz. (1-1/2 cups) couscous
• 1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Zest from 1 orange
• Freshly ground black pepper

In a medium straight-sided skillet or a large saucepan with a tight lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft but not browned, 8 to 10 min. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes. Add the orange juice and simmer rapidly until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, about 10 min., stirring as needed to prevent the juice from caramelizing. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the butter, couscous, and salt. Stir to combine. Cover and let stand for 15 min. With a fork, fluff the couscous. Stir in the almonds, herbs, and orange zest to taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Beet Salad with Oregano, Pecans, and Goat Cheese

Beets and goat cheese are a classic pairing, but for a twist, try substituting blue cheese for the goat cheese and walnuts for the pecans.

• 8 to 10 medium beets (red, golden, or a combination)
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs. aged balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped lightly toasted pecans

If the beets have leaves and stems, trim off the leaves and all but 1/4 inch of the stems. Wash the beets. In a large saucepan or stockpot fit with a steamer basket, steam the beets until a paring knife enters them easily, 30 to 45 minutes, depending on their size. Set aside until cool enough to handle but still warm.

Peel the beets; the skin will rub right off. Trim and discard the tops and tails and cut the beets into thick wedges. Transfer the beets to a large serving bowl and drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the goat cheese, oregano, and pecans over the beets and serve.

Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat and Cayenne

Here, the classic deviled egg filling is made even tastier with sweet crab, sherry, Worcestershire sauce and a hit of cayenne. Set these kicked-up nibbles on a platter at your next party and watch them disappear. Luckily for your guests, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.  

• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dry sherry
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Big pinch cayenne
• 2 oz. crabmeat picked over and shredded (scant 1/4 cup)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Paprika for sprinkling (optional)

Prepare an ice water bath. Arrange the eggs in a single layer in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 5 minutes more.

Plunge the eggs into the ice bath. Working with one egg at a time, crackthe shell by rolling it on a flat surface. Under a stream of cold
running water, peel the shell.

Let the eggs come to room temperature.

Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks, transfer them to a small bowl, and mash them with the back of a spoon.

Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sherry, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne and continue to mash until smooth. Gently stir in the crabmeat and season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pipe or spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the hollows of the egg whites. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a little paprika, if you wish.

Scallop and Shrimp Shiu Mai Dumplings

These tiny purse-shaped dumplings, which are a staple of Chinese dim sum, make the perfect party food, since they can be made in a big batch, frozen, and steamed just before guests arrive. Not a fan of seafood? Try the pork-filled variety.

• 1/2 lb. dry-packed, fresh sea scallops, tough muscle removed from each scallop
• 1/2 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup thinly sliced napa cabbage, plus extra leaves for lining the steamer
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions (both white and green parts)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-1/2 Tbs. soy sauce 
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped garlic
• 1 Tbs. rice vinegar 
• 1 Tbs. cornstarch; more for dusting 
• 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 tsp. Asian sesame oil
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar 
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 large egg white
• 55 to 60 shiu mai wrappers or wonton wrappers
• Soy Dipping Sauce, for serving

Assemble the shiu mai:

Pulse the shrimp and scallops in a food processor until almost smooth, about 12
pulses. Transfer to a large bowl, and stir in the sliced cabbage, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, 1 Tbs. cornstarch, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, pepper, and egg white.

Sprinkle a rimmed baking sheet liberally with cornstarch. Set a small bowl of water on the work surface. If the wrappers are larger than 3 inches across in any direction, trim them with a cookie cutter to 3-inch rounds. Otherwise, leave as squares or rectangles.

Working with one wrapper at a time, and keeping the remaining wrappers
covered with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out, place a heaping
teaspoon of the pork filling in the center of the wrapper. Using a
pastry brush or your fingers, dab a bit of water around the edge of the
wrapper to moisten. Crimp the wrapper up and around the filling,
squeezing slightly with your fingers to bring the wrapper together like abeggar’s pouch.

Place on the cornstarch-coated baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling until you run out of one or the other. You can steam the shiu mai immediately or freeze and steam them later (see Make-Ahead Tips, below).

Cook the shiu mai:

Set up a steamer with 2 inches of water in the bottom. Line the basket with cabbage leaves to keep the shiu mai from sticking. Set over medium-high heat and cover. When steam begins to escape from the steamer, remove from the heat and carefully take off the lid. Arrange the shiu mai in the steamer so that they don’t touch, as they will stick together (you’ll have to cook them in batches). Cover the steamer and return to medium-high heat. Steam until the pork is cooked through (cut into one to check), 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with the dipping sauce.