Nut-Free

Truly ripe tomatoes don't need much.

Adapted from The River Cafe Classic Italian Cookbook by Rose Gray, Ruth Rogers, and Michael Joseph. Copyright Rose Gray 2009.

This unexpected brined corn is a terrific foil alongside rich and smoky grilled dishes. 

Do you hate dry chicken with a vengeance? You're going to love this pan sauce, which makes each bite 100 percent juicier.

This blueberry cobbler recipe is for individual portions—you knew you would find a use for those ramekins!

Adapted from The River Cafe Classic Italian Cookbook by Rose Gray, Ruth Rogers, and Michael Joseph. Copyright Rose Gray 2009.

This Italian panzanella recipe is as classic as it gets—and no, you can't skip the anchovies.

Adapted from The River Cafe Classic Italian Cookbook by Rose Gray, Ruth Rogers, and Michael Joseph. Copyright Rose Gray 2009.

This comforting pudding from chef Andrea Reusing has the best of both worlds: a slightly wiggly center and a browned, crisped top.

Finally, a plum pie recipe that gives the stone fruit its due. Use plums that hold their shape when cooked, such as black or red (avoid soft-fleshed Santa Rosas). If you prefer a taller pie, use all 5 pounds of fruit.

For this smashed potatoes recipe, we like red skin potatoes for their creamy flesh and tender texture.