Make Ahead

To make these tarts two 13 1/2 x 4 x 1-inch tart pans with removable rims are ideal; however, you could also use one 11 x 1-inch round tart pan with a removable rim.

Key lime pie, with its tangy custard filling and pastry crust, was popular in the Florida Keys at the turn of the century. The pie eventually evolved to include the graham-cracker-crumb crusts created in the thirties. We’ve layered all the components in wine goblets.

Though there is only a small amount of cardamom in this recipe, the spice plays a big role in bringing out the subtle flavor and fragrance of the persimmon. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 4 hr

A thick puree of fresh peaches is added to the rich custard ice cream base. The ice cream can be made up to three days ahead.

"When I was a kid, corn was often served with the turkey dinner in our house," says Jim Fobel, cookbook author. "Even though corn season was over, my mom thought that it seemed appropriate for the meal. Here, I've used corn to make little pancakes. The good news is that they can be made a day ahead and then rewarmed in the oven just before serving."

This can be used to lighten any casserole that calls for a white sauce.

Serve with grilled chicken or fish. Also great with light goat cheese and French bread as an appetizer.

Use this recipe to prepare Brandied Date and Walnut Pie, Pineapple, Apricot and Cranberry Lattice-Crust Pie, Spiced Pear and Raisin Pie, Toasted Almond Cream Pie with Boysenberry Topping, Apple and Tart Cherry Pie and Honey-Pecan Pumkin Pie.

Serve this with the Mushroom Flatbreads or on its own.

(Sicilian "Pizza" with Onions and Anchovies) Sfinciune derives its name from a word in local dialect meaning soft, light, or tender, a reference to its rich, airy crust. This version of sfinciune has a bread-crumb topping, which gives it a pleasant crunch.

A cherry lover's dream: This irresistible dessert has fresh cherries, cherry sauce and cherry ice cream.

A filling of bittersweet chocolate truffles is the surprise in this elegant dessert from Michele Dennis at Zefiro.

Top this homey dessert with green grapes and orange slices for a pretty presentation.

This recipe originally accompanied Tex-Mex Turkey Meat Loaf and Chipotle Mashed Potatoes .