TASTElist

Inspired by a recipe Chef David Chang created for Momofuku, this simple mixture takes rich butter and umami-laden white miso and combines them for a savory topping perfect for corn on the cob. Miso replaces the need for salt here, and is a great balance to the sweet corn. If you have any left over, try sautéing scallops in this versatile butter.

Basic butter gets upgraded thanks to fresh basil and flaky sea salt. Generously spread this butter on corn for a simple yet sophisticated dish that truly epitomizes summer. Make a double batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—it’s great spread on toast or tossed with farro.

This umeboshi paste combines the saltiness from salt-pickled Japanese plums with the sweetness from mirin (a low-alcohol wine made from rice) to create the perfect topping for summertime’s sweet corn. If the umeboshi are too tart and salty for your liking, just add more mirin to balance out the brined plums. Umeboshi can be found in cans and jars in Asian supermarkets and gourmet grocery stores.

Sweet pickle relish on a hot dog? Not for me: I want heat! Essentially a salsa, this relish works on a whole range of casual foods besides franks—nachos, burgers, tacos, you name it. Since this recipe makes a lot, you’ll be able to extend your condiment adventure into next season, slightly perspiring all through the cold months.

Indian spiced tea—masala chai—has a lovely delicacy and a fortifying strength. We harnessed both qualities for these refreshing milkshakes that should help you get through the muggiest summer afternoon. Chai tea bags are handy, but we suggest making your own sachet, using cheesecloth and a good-quality masala chai, a blend of loose-leaf black tea with whole spices such as cardamom pods, cloves, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and dried ginger.

Some days a milkshake is all you need to stay cool, other days only an ice pop will do. These chai popsicles are wonderfully fragrant, perfect to end off a rich Indian meal of complex flavors or to punctuate a lazy summer afternoon. They’re super easy to put together—once you’ve made the basic mix for our Chai Frozen Milkshakes, all you need are pop molds and a little patience. Special equipment: You’ll need freezer pop molds for this recipe.

We took the basic elements of a s’more and added ice cream—in this case, strawberry ice cream, for acidity, flavor, and an irresistible pinkness. It’s an indulgent tower of broken-up graham crackers, scoops of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, marshmallow topping, almonds, fresh strawberries, and a charred marshmallow topknot. For a berry-free version, check out these Easy Chocolate S’mores Sundaes.

Gooey enough to satisfy kids, architectural enough to appeal to adults, this ice-cream-sundae take on classic campfire s’mores is literally over-the-top. Broken-up graham crackers, scoops of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, marshmallow topping, almonds, and a charred marshmallow add up to a tower of indulgence. For a fruity variation on the s’mores sundae theme, check out our Strawberry S’mores Sundaes.

Fresh, bright, and easy, this mango salsa recipe gets both crunch and a little kick from diced red onion and tomato. It’s great sprinkled on a salad, spooned over grilled fish or chicken, or as a topping for tacos, nachos, or salmon burgers.

You hear pizza, you think cheese that flows like roof tar; pepperoni slices cupping in the oven, filling with grease; and a crust so overladen with toppings it droops like sorrow when you try to lift a slice. It is both elegant and summery, full of flavor from good-quality cheeses and produce—so flavorful, in fact, that you won’t even notice it’s vegetarian.

This bacon compote is versatile. Spoon some onto pizza along with jalapeños and red onions or try it as a meaty nacho topping, even toast a bagel and top with cream cheese and bacon compote—it’s fantastic.

Rémoulade is a classic mayo-based accompaniment for Creole-style fried seafood. We gave the Louisiana standby a touch of Asian character via soy sauce and a little chopped cilantro. Serve it with grilled or fried shrimp, or on grilled salmon burgers.