TASTElist

The perfect shrimp scampi recipe calls for a simple mix of garlic, shrimp, butter and wine. It’s a delicious 15-minute recipe that can be served over pasta or as a first course with crusty bread and a Caesar Salad.

Pressed for time in the morning? The easy, no-cook cheese-and-herb mixture in this omelet should be your go-to filling. The creamy, tangy goat cheese plays nicely with just about any fresh herb. For a weekend breakfast, roast some lemony potatoes to serve on the side. Special equipment: You will need an 8-inch nonstick frying pan.

If you’re not ready to give up egg yolks cold turkey but you want to make more healthy, lower-cholesterol choices, this is the omelet for you. Adding a single yolk to our Basic Egg White Omelet gives the dish just enough of the body that so many people think is lacking in an egg-white-only omelet. We recommend topping it with a touch of hot sauce. Special equipment: You will need an 8-inch nonstick frying pan.

A hot toddy is a cool-weather glass of cheer with limitless combinations of spirits. Few ask whence the “toddy” in hot toddy comes. Despite its name, the hot toddy should not be served too hot. Heat the mixture in a chafing dish or saucepan until just before boiling, and let it cool a few moments. For added flair, you may also use a hot poker.

Most Mojito recipes are served with tragically mashed mint leaves, guaranteeing two problems: bitter flavors from over-zealously crushed mint, and soggy leaves that get stuck in your teeth or straw. Make your Mojito the right way by gently pressing on the mint leaves to just release their oils, then straining them out to ensure an unencumbered sipping experience. Game plan: You’ll need to make the Simple Syrup before you begin.

In this quick and easy punch, rosé wine is the star. A little fresh lime juice, some muddled blackberries, and vodka are added to the wine, making this a refreshing libation for your next summer soiree. Game plan: You’ll need to make the Simple Syrup before you begin.

Unwrapping a soggy sandwich at a picnic is an avoidable tragedy. Just a light smear of fig jam across a crusty baguette keeps this French-inspired grab-n-go sandwich from crossing into sodden territory. Tuck in some ham and Camembert cheese, wrap it up, and stick it in your basket. No more sad sandwiches.

In the realm of snacking, it’s universally known that some dips require a sturdier scooping device. Enter the pita chip. These crunchy, thick chips can stand up to any dip, from hummus to hot crab to roasted eggplant, without buckling. Special equipment: You’ll need a pastry brush to make these chips. What to buy: Ras el hanout is a North African spice blend with sweet and floral notes and can be found at Middle Eastern grocers. Or you can make your own.

There’s something homey and relaxing about a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade that sugary store-bought versions can’t quite deliver. Whether it conjures visions of a summer lemonade stand or rocking on a porch swing, grab some lemons and squeeze up a batch yourself. For more, see our Pink Lemonade recipe.

Berry cobbler can be thrown together in minutes if you start with a store-bought pie crust. Any combination of berries, with the exception of strawberries (too watery), will work, so use what’s in season and ripe. Pair the cobbler with some vanilla ice cream, and an easy summer dessert is ready for the table. If you’d like to make your own Basic Pie Dough, roll it out into a 10-inch round approximately 1/3 inch thick.

Agua fresca means “fresh water” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what this drink is: a refreshing water-based beverage. Made up of little more than fresh fruit, citrus juice, and water, aguas frescas are the perfect way to cool down when it’s hot outside. Pair it with a Horchata for your Cinco de Mayo menu. What to buy: Look for the ripest melons available in the produce section—the riper the melons, the less sugar you’ll have to add to the recipe.

The flesh-and-blood Roy Rogers led an all-American life as a popular cowboy and country music singer. With his trusty palomino, Trigger, by his side, he conquered movies, television, and even was immortalized in a namesake fast-food chain. Today, young lads everywhere raise a grenadine-flavored cola in reverence to the King of Cowboys. Cheers to you, Roy!