Dining Al Fresco

Take a little extra time at the grocery store or specialty market and introduce new ingredients to the pantry. Mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine, adds crisp, light flavor to Sea Bass Gravlax with Cucumbers. Anchovies and tuna in oil are part of a quick sauce for Chicken Tonnato. A can of chestnut puree makes the dense Chestnut and Chocolate Cake an easy to prepare, at-home luxury. A different jam or vinegar makes Blueberries in Raspberry Sauce with Ice Cream and Summertime Salad sparkle.