Nut

"This is the cake I bake for most family events," writes Mary Charlotte McCall of Tallahassee, Florida. "I started making it years ago because my three new stepdaughters liked it so much. It's always a hit at big parties, club meetings and kid-related events."

In this recipe we slowly "double-cook" the quince, which prevents the fruit from crystallizing and heightens the pinkish- orange color it turns when cooked.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For an extra burst of orange flavor, mix some unsalted butter with grated orange peel to accompany these homespun biscuits.

Toasted walnuts and oven-roasted onion add great flavor to this lovely winter salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The flavor and texture of these chewy confections are even better if they are allowed to rest overnight.

Like a traditional basil pesto, this sauce can also be mixed with pasta, stirred into soup for a lively accent or spread over grilled fish.

This recipe is made to accompany Almond Cookie Cups with Sauternes-poached Apples and Frozen Sauternes Mousse

Tropical flavors star in this cool indulgence.

A nice accompaniment to Blackberry and Apricot Compote. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The chef at Kristina's makes this dish with haddock; we call for sea bass, which is more readily available.

Even easier: Use purchased pesto to help speed up the preparation.

An appealing appetizer salad from The Great House at Villa Madeleine, St. Croix.