Mint, providing an aromatic, sweet, and refreshing flavor with a cool aftertaste, is an ideal complement to hot, spicy foods and is perfect for hot weather. Of the many varieties, spearmint is the most common. An easy-to-grow perennial, fresh mint is far more acceptable than dried.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, and the author of 10 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with a gourmet flair. Her 15-Minute Gourmet cookbook series, including Chicken, Vegetarian, and Noodles, was awarded "Best Cookbook Series in the World" at the 2000 World Cookbook Fair in Périgueux, France in November, 2000. Her Complete Soy Cookbook was named "Best Health Cookbook" at the same event in 1998. Paulette's recipes will appear each day in this column, and she will share culinary tips and kitchen wisdom acquired over the years and through her international travels.