Muddle cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice and sugar, then top with gin or vodka and ice. Shake, strain and serve in a chilled martini glass.

Brining the pork chops in a salt water and pickling spice mixture makes them super-tender and locks in moisture. Top the grilled chops with gremolata, a blend of fresh herbs, citrus and olive oil that calls out the smokiness of grilled foods.

This veggie-friendly burger sandwiches asparagus, onions, bell peppers and portobello mushrooms in between a ciabatta bun.