Yield: 6 to 8 servings Quick Mango Salsa Total time: 10 minutes 2 large mangoes, moderately ripe 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions 1/2 cup minced fresh coriander 1/4 cup fresh lime juice Freshly ground black pepper to taste Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce to taste.

LEMON OR LIME GRANITA Time: 15 minutes, plus 3 to 4 hours' freezing 3/4 cup sugar, or to taste 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice 1 tablespoon minced or grated lemon or lime zest.

Corn and Red Pepper Saute 2 cups frozen corn kernels (10-ounce package) 1 to 1 1/2 cups finely chopped red pepper 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 jalapeno pepper, minced 2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar Freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander.

Mint Dressing Time: 5 minutes 2 cups tightly packed mint leaves, washed and dried 2 tablespoons chopped shallots 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1/2 cup fruity-tasting olive oil 1 small clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Salad of Bulgur, Corn and Avocado Total Time: 1 1/2 hours, including soaking 1 cup bulgur 1 ripe avocado 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 cups cooked corn kernels 1/2 cup chopped scallions 1/2 cup minced sweet red pepper 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Salmon Cakes With Corn and Green Chili Total time: 30 minutes 1 small onion 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup sweet corn, scraped off cob 2 cups cooked salmon 3 large potatoes, skinned, boiled and mashed (about 2 cups) 1/2 cup Italian parsley, minced.

NO-COOK CRANBERRY-ORANGE RELISH Total time: 10 minutes 2 large navel oranges, washed and dried 1 1/2 pounds cranberries 1 cup sugar, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste 1/4 cup minced mint leaves, plus a few whole leaves for garnish.

PARMESAN CUPS WITH ORZO 'RISOTTO' Total time: 30 minutes 2 cups good chicken or other stock 1 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta) 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1/4 pound) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves.

INDIAN RICE WITH SHRIMP Ingredients for Mexican rice, using carrots and peas 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined 1/4 cup minced fresh coriander.

For the topping: 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 cup minced green onions 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/8 teaspoon chili pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 cups spinach 16 ounces feta cheese.