Cannellini beans, or white kidney beans, are smaller than Great Northern beans and add just the right texture. Great for picnics or lazy-day suppers, this salad stirs together in a flash.

serves 5
You might need to buy:
  • * Salad:
  • * 1 cup chopped tomato
  • * 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • * 1/3 cup sliced fresh basil
  • *
  • Dressing:
  • * 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • * 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
  • * 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • * 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Large salt-cured capers, sold in specialty food shops, open up dramatically when fried, but smaller, brine-packed ones will work too. Fingerling potatoes are available in farmers’ markets and grocery stores from midsummer through early winter. Prep and cook time: about 30 minutes.

serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 8 ounces smoked trout
  • * 1/3 cup olive oil
  • * 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • * 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
  • * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Belongs to shawn Sweet and Sour Slaw 
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 tablespoon sugar
  • * 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • * 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Belongs to shawn Warm Bacon Dressing 
ready in about 20 minutes
You might need to buy:
  • * 4 bacon slices
  • * 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • * 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • * 2 tablespoons honey
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • * 1/8 teaspoon pepper
ready in about an hour and 15 minutes; serves 7
You might need to buy:
  • * 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • * 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • * 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • * 2 large onions
  • * 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • * Warm Bacon Dressing
serves 6
You might need to buy:
  • * Vinaigrette:
  • * 1/2 cup canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • * 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • * 1 teaspoon sugar
  • * 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • * 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • *
  • Salad:
  • * 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 3/4 cup sour cream
  • * 1/4 cup raspberry preserves
  • * 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • * 1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • * 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • * 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • * 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • * 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Belongs to shawn Spicy Pecans 
ready in about 20 minutes
You might need to buy:
  • * 2 cups pecan halves
  • * 2 to 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • * 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • * 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
  • * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • * 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • * 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
serves 5
You might need to buy:
  • * 1 cup mayonnaise
  • * 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • * 1/4 cup fruit chutney*
  • * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • * 1 cup Spicy Pecans