Now is the best time to make gazpacho. It is incredibly refreshing and all the ingredients are available locally grown, reasonably priced and fresh.

In New Orleans, this delectation was called “La Mediatriece,” a peace offering to an enraged wife when her husband trundled in after an evening in the French Quarter. I have served this for a first course, but it is really more suitable to Sunday lunch or a late supper. Serves four.

Jam-making is incredibly simple; in my grandmother’s circle, ladies who were not deft enough to piece a complicated quilt, could deflect scorn by creating delicious jams and jellies in unusual combinations of fruits and berries, wines and whiskeys. My favorite of all: Brandied Peach Butter.

I like maca­roni and cheese; it is a hearty, fill­ing dish and I like the flavor com­bination of this formula. I hope you will try it and see what you think.