Cheese

Marinate the cheese for a couple of hours, then assemble the salad just before serving.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Greek Herbed-Spinach Latkes with Feta-Yogurt Sauce. This do-ahead sauce would also be good drizzled over a salad of fresh mixed greens.

In a fresh interpretation of the classic Italian dessert, we've replaced the traditional chocolate and coffee with berries and fruit liqueur. For a garnish, we like the looks of fresh berries, but we used frozen berries in the filling to keep it moist. They're also more uniform in flavor--and less expensive.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This gratin makes a simple accompaniment to roast chicken, pork or even baked eggs.

If you have a set of clay tiles or a baking stone, place it on the oven rack while preheating the oven. It will absorb the heat, and putting a pizza pan or baking sheet directly on top will ensure a crisp crust.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A tangy tomato-herb sauce and Parmesan accent chicken that's cooked in a flash.

This do-ahead main-course strata is simply a savory bread pudding. Pour a Pinot Blanc or Viognier throughout the meal.

Turnips stand in for the usual potatoes, giving this gratin a rich, hearty taste.