Cookthink

Soaking tapioca pearls in water before cooking encourages their natural starches to come out, making the pudding creamier. Be sure to let them sit for the full 30 minutes. If your stove’s lowest setting isn’t really, really low, you should probably be by the stove to mother your pudding as it simmers. Read more about this recipe at hogwash.

Lemon Granita

This is a light, refreshing, fat-free and simple dessert. Mix it up in advance and put it in the food processor immediately before serving. This recipe is part of the Barbara Kafka Dessert Anthology.

Potato, Salmon And Asparagus Salad

Substitute diced smoked salmon if you like, and stir in a little more olive oil, mustard, sour cream or vinegar to suit your taste. Read more about this recipe at the Cookthink blog.

Chilled Cantaloupe Soup With Chives And Prosciutto

If you like, replace the lime juice with sweet wine in this simple, elegant starter. You can read more about this recipe on the Cookthink blog.

Watermelon Gazpacho With Jicama

This simple, no-cook, make-ahead summer soup is the perfect starter for your July 4th barbecue. Refreshing and cool, with a touch of heat, it’s just the thing to warm up the taste buds for whatever’s on the grill. This recipe comes from FoodieTots, and was the featured recipe for Root Source: Watermelon.

Roasted Corn With Spicy Tomato Butter

In this dish, corn is grilled in its husk, where it steams and absorbs a smoky flavor that is enhanced with a flavorful butter made with chili paste and garlic salt. This recipe is part of Andrew Schloss's Sunday Dinners.

Avocado Crostini

This avocado crostini is a simple, delicious way to use up leftover avocado and good quality whole grain bread. If the avocado is overripe, you might add a little Greek yogurt to give the spread some extra richness.

Barley, Zucchini And Tomato Salad With Mint

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

Couscous With Raisins, Zucchini and Feta

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

Basic Rice Pilaf

For a pilaf, the grains of rice are slightly toasted in butter before they're simmered in broth. This gives them a nuttier, richer flavor. Add more or less shallot and parsley to taste.

Mexican Pilaf With Cumin And Jalapeño

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

Fava Beans With Yogurt And Basil

Use this fragrant mixture of beans, tomatoes, and yogurt as a side dish, a spread, a dip, on a sandwich - anywhere. Prepare quickly before guests arrive and fill the house with mouthwatering smells.