Make Ahead

A delicate starter with a velvety texture. Market Tip: Freshly picked cauliflower is sweeter than the supermarket variety (and, when cooked, doesn't release the sulfurous smell that older cauliflower does).

Both the dip and the pita chips can be made several days ahead to keep on hand for after-workout nourishment.

Zuppa di Castagne e Cavolo Nero Cavolo nero is a member of the kale family. Between farm stands, specialty produce markets, and natural foods stores it is available year-round. To find it, be aware of its many aliases: Tuscan kale, black cabbage, lacinato, and dinosaur kale. Its rich, sweet, almost meaty flavor will have you hooked from the first bite.

This dessert has a silky texture and intense flavors. Begin preparing it a day ahead.

[This salsa is a primary ingredient in the recipe for Red Chile Rice with Shrimp and Bacon.]

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

You can start baking this beautiful cake two days ahead: Make the cake layers and the raspberry curd a day before assembling; then the completed cake can be refrigerated a day before serving.

Fresh orange juice always makes the best cranberry relish. Zest whole oranges before squeezing them for juice.

At Òran Mór, the ice cream comes in profiteroles surrounded by the sauce, but this lovely duo tastes terrific without that added touch, too.

It's believed that this stew — called mafé or maafe — originated among the Bambara people of Mali. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

This recipe is an accompaniment for Roast Prime Rib with Madeira Sauce and horseradish Sauce.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 8 hr (includes steeping, chilling, and freezing)

These can be cut out the night before, refrigerated unbaked on a baking sheet, and then popped into the oven in the morning. They will be ready in just 20 minutes.

"The Harmony House Inn in New Bern, North Carolina, is a beautiful old place with a comfortable, homey atmosphere," says Mary Ann Callahan, Binghamton, NY. "The Kirkpatricks, who run the inn, serve consistently delicious breakfasts. I've tried several of the breads and rolls, and they're all great. But the best thing going is the Heath Bar coffee cake." This cake has a sweet, crunchy topping, and it's easy to prepare. Serve as a breakfast treat or snack.

Use this dressing on crisp lettuce or omit the buttermilk and serve it as a dip with crudités.