Norma Shirley

Guava and sautéed mango add subtle sweetness to this elegant dish. What to drink: A crisp, dry white wine with tropical fruit notes, like Pinot Gris.

Red peas and kidney beans are one and the same.

Look for chayote at supermarkets, Latin markets, and natural foods stores — it's a light-green pear-shaped squash that's mild and crisp.

What to drink: Serve a splurge-worthy aged rum in a snifter, to sip like brandy.