Make Ahead

Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Kitchen Sense: More Than 600 Recipes to Make You a Great Home Cook. To read more about the book, click here. The strong Mediterranean flavors in this satisfying sandwich were jointly inspired by a trip to Tunisia and my frequent visits to the original 'wichcraft sandwich shop in New York City.

**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here. Kids love Popsicles, and when made from fruit and yogurt, they are healthy as well as delicious. Popsicle molds are available from kitchen or department stores. If you're short of time, you can also make popsicles from ready-made smoothies.

**Editor's note:**This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick's and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For Hammick's and Packer's tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here. Hummus and guacamole served with breadsticks and veggie sticks make great finger foods for toddlers. Older children love these too, but make sure you offer a selection of breadsticks, chips, and pita bread for those few kids who turn up their noses at the sight of raw vegetables, however sweet and juicy they are.

Editor's note: This recipe is reprinted from Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer's book Great Parties for Kids. For their tips on throwing a kids' summer party, click here. Kids will enjoy helping to make these burgers — let them squelch the mixture into patties and hide a piece of cheese in the center. The burgers can be made and frozen well ahead of time — just remember to defrost them well before cooking.

For a pretty presentation, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

This great summery tart doesn't require a special pan.

Buy baklava at Middle Eastern markets or order from parthenonfoods.com. Start making the granita a day ahead.

Pancakes, ice cream, pound cake, fresh fruit—they all just got a little bit better.

For a richer version, add a little olive oil.

Serve this slightly sweet soup as a cooling first course or a light dessert.

Carote Al Rafano The handmade bowls crafted by Italian ceramic artist Siglinda Scarpa are the perfect vessel for these vibrant carrots mixed with tangy yogurt, smooth cream, and snappy horseradish.

The base is chewy chocolate cake. Make this terrific dessert a day ahead.