Soaking the onion slices in ice water, Mr. Schwartz says, keeps them firm and mellows their bite.

WSJ: Michael Schwartz's Striped Bass with Grapefruit and Pickled Radish

Raw mustard greens have a peppery quality that mellows in a hot pan.

WSJ: Eric Ripert's Saut��ed Cod With Mustard Greens | Slow Food Fast

This cooking method mellows the spices' flavors while retaining their individual tastes.

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For the vinaigrette, a riff on one served at his Manhattan restaurant, Le Bernardin, Mr. Ripert lets minced shallots soak in Sherry vinegar until their bracing bite mellows and their sweetness comes to the fore.

WSJ: Eric Ripert's Artichoke, Fennel and Arugula Salad