Make Ahead

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Apple cakes are among the most popular Irish sweets. In this version, a sour cream cake flavored with cinnamon, ginger and allspice is baked atop caramelized apples and then turned out like a tarte Tatin. Serve this with vanilla ice cream.

This recipe was inspired by Laurie Colwin's tomato pie — which ran in the August 1992 issue of gourmet; James Beard has a similar recipe that we also love in American Cookery. Paired with a green salad, it's a great warm-weather lunch. The very thin biscuit crust sets it apart from the usual (pastry-crust) pies. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 hr (includes cooling)

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr

Cape Malay Masala This version of masala is a variation of the traditional Indian spice mix known as garam masala.

"I'm a music teacher, and baking is the extracurricular activity I like most," says Sue Reddin Ellison of Edgewater, Colorado. "This cheesecake is a family favorite as well as an impressive do-ahead dessert for entertaining. I make a similar version with pecans instead of hazelnuts; either way, everyone loves the smooth filling and the nutty crust." Begin preparing this a day before serving.

On the gift card that she encloses with these preserves, food editor Kristine Kidd tells her friends to spread the pear butter on toast, French toast or pancakes or to heat it and spoon it over vanilla ice cream. If you want to omit the canning process, go ahead: The butter can be stored in the refrigerator up to two weeks.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The Dijon mustard in the dressing gives this easy salad extra kick

Offer with lots of hot tortillas and cold beer.