Make Ahead

Arranging the apple slices in a flower petal formation may be work for the cook, but it sure provides luxurious eating for your lucky guests. This pie has an exceptionally crisp bottom crust under a juicy filling of caramelized, cinnamony apples made tangy and glistening with a gilding of apricot preserves. The border is a wreath of leaves cut from the pie crust.

It's difficult to choose ripe quinces because their flesh, unlike that of other fruits, doesn't soften. You have to use your nose, sniffing out the heady floral fragrance that signals that the quince is ripe.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe was created to prepare Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad with Caesar Dressing . This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This pull-out-all-the-stops cake for special occasions may be prepared in steps in advance and glazes on the day it is to be served.

Hummus, a dip/spread traditional in many Middle Eastern countries, is usually made with chick-peas (garbanzo beans), but we use white beans for a change of pace. It is delicious with steamed potatoes and artichokes as well as blanched broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.

Use any leftover sauce as an omelet filling.

You can use whatever fruit you have on hand for this quick, pretty dessert.

Leeks, shallots, onions and garlic combine to make a rich, delicious side dish.