Appetizers and Sides
Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix
Toss wheat cereal and cashews with raisins, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots.
Oriental Greens
After combining ingredients, cover and chill for two hours before serving.
Red Rosemary Vinegar
To prepare as a gift, strain the vinegar into pretty bottles. Add a fresh sprig of rosemary to each.
Roasted Asparagus
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness of asparagus), shaking once to turn spears. Pour on balsamic vinegar and serve hot or at room temperature.
Roasted Vegetables
Roast carrots, turnips, squash, and garlic for about an hour, stirring once or twice.
Vegetable Dip Mix
These ingredients are in the right proportions for one batch of dip mix. For a gift jar, keep adding a round of all five ingredients until you have enough to fill the jar.
Main Dishes
Cantaloupe Soup
This is a picture-pretty first course for a summer meal. Make in advance and serve chilled.
Carrot-Oatmeal Muffins
These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. They get their crunch from chopped walnuts.
Pozole
Only a small amount of oil is needed to sauté meat.
Tico Stuffed Peppers
Costa Ricans, who call themselves "Ticos," regularly eat rice with beans. This meal is generally lightly seasoned, which allows each diner to add condiments to individual taste.