Make Ahead

The addition of the Italian aperitif Campari to fresh orange juice gives a slightly bitter taste to this light and refreshing dessert.

This appealing do-ahead dessert, perfect for a picnic, can be formed ahead and frozen. Just thaw, then bake and cool.

Not overly sweet, and with a spunky kick, this palate cleanser is a take on the traditional Italian combination of strawberries, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. (It also tastes great in a Bloody Mary.)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional sitting time.

This easy dressing makes a great side dish for roast chicken or fried pork chops.

Although they are baked, these intensely chocolaty bar cookies resemble fudge more than brownies. To retain the creamy texture, keep them in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to a week. If the bars are refrigerated, their texture will become more dense.

The olives can marinate before starting the stew, which cooks in just over 30 minutes.

If smoked paprika isn't available, substitute four teaspoons of chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, which are available at Latin American markets, specialty foods stores, and in the Latin American foods section of many supermarkets.

A vacherin includes layers of meringue with a creamy filling; its name derives from its resemblance to the rich, round French and Swiss cheeses of the same name. Begin preparing this lovely dessert at least one day before you plan to serve it. Once assembled, the torte can be frozen for up to four days.

"I was at a conference in West Vancouver, British Columbia, when I discovered Salmon House on the Hill," writes Beth D'Ambrosio of Pittsford, New York. "The one thing more breathtaking than the restaurant's view was dessert: a slice of impossibly rich chocolate cake topped with raspberry sorbet." This dense and fudgy flourless chocolate cake isn’t baked—it’s steamed on top of the stove. The cake will puff up while it steams and fall as it cools.

Here's an easy granita (a grown up snow cone). If you like, top it off just before serving with a diced melon salad made from cubes of cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon that have been tossed with a bit of sugar and thinly sliced fresh mint leaves.

You'll need a candy thermometer to monitor the fudge sauce and the marshmallows.

Raita, an Indian yogurt dish used as a condiment, is often made with cucumber or tomatoes. This version features mango. Serve it with the Tandoori Chicken Salad or alongside grilled pork or fish.

An almond-scented pudding layered with blackberries and blackberry preserves makes a nice finale.

This salsa is best made a few hours ahead so the flavors have a chance to develop.

This recipe was created to accompany Praline Pecan Tarts .