Fresh curry leaves are available in the refrigerated section of specialty markets. You can also order them online at Kalustyan’s.

You might need to buy:
  • olive oil
  • mustard seeds
  • mayonnaise
  • juice and 1 teaspoon finely grated zest from about 1 lime
  • grated fresh ginger
  • shredded cooked chicken
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Latin American white frying cheese can be found in specialty markets and in the dairy section of supermarkets that carry Latin American products. It is labeled “queso de freĆ­r.” If you cannot find it, substitute mozzarella cheese, but not fresh or buffalo as these are too soft.

You might need to buy:
  • salt
  • baking powder
  • Ice water
  • vegetable oil

Look for ricotta with nothing but milk, salt, and a coagulant such as rennet or acid on the ingredients list. Avoid brands with gels, gums, or other stabilizers. Our favorite store-bought brand is Calabro.

You might need to buy:
  • cherry tomatoes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • fresh store-bought lasagna sheets
  • frozen peas
  • loosely packed basil leaves
  • Parmesan or Pecorino for grating
You might need to buy:
  • mung bean or sweet potato vermicelli
  • chili oil
  • light soy sauce
  • Chinkiang vinegar
  • sugar
  • salt
  • chopped fresh cilantro
You might need to buy:
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • bacon
  • bag of frozen hash browns
  • shredded cheese
  • eggs
  • whole milk
  • dried dill
  • salt
  • pepper

Shopping tip: Artichoke bottoms can be purchased in 14-ounce cans and can be found near other canned vegetables. If unavailable, substitute two 14-ounce cans rinsed and halved artichoke hearts.

You might need to buy:
  • chopped pancetta
  • reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • nonfat plain yogurt
  • lemon juice
  • water
  • large eggs
  • large egg whites
  • salt
You might need to buy:
  • Sea salt

Lots of freshly chopped herbs add zing to our white bean dip. Serve with assorted vegetables, such as baby carrots, bell pepper strips, radishes, snow peas, broccoli and caulifower florets.

You might need to buy:
  • nonfat plain yogurt
  • crumbled feta cheese
  • lemon juice
  • garlic salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • chopped fresh dill
  • chopped fresh mint
  • chopped fresh chives
You might need to buy:
  • brown sugar
  • lemon-lime soda
  • smashed and chopped garlic
  • soy sauce
  • ground black pepper