Make Ahead

In this Basque-inspired dish, a bell pepper mixture is slow-cooked to produce an unusual — and flavorful — confit.

Tangy and refreshing, this dip is called tzatziki in Greek. Here, it's served with crisp baked pita wedges, but it also goes well with crudités. Drain the yogurt a day before you plan to prepare the dip. And mix up a big batch of lemonade to pour throughout the picnic.

I've often made this luscious spread with little yellow plums gathered from my friend Ilene's fruit trees. Red or purple plums work equally well. Because fruit butters are slowly cooked down to a thick paste, they require a good deal of stirring to prevent scorching. Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 3 hr (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

This creamy, garlicky tahini sauce also pairs wonderfully with lamb. Serve it as a dipping sauce, or as a spread on cold lamb sandwiches.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crispy Pork with Avocado Salsa and Tomato Salsa .

You might be tempted to bake 2 sheets at a time in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Don't give in to this urge—they must go in the middle of the oven to cook through and brown evenly.

Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Cabrales is Spain's famous blue cheese. Its creamy texture and assertive flavor make this dish irresistible. And there's no fear of falling here: These soufflés can be made two hours ahead and rewarmed before serving.

The jalapeño-flavored butter is also good with chicken or fish, or even corn on the cob.

Both sauces can be prepared a day ahead. What to drink: Choose a medium-bodied red wine with lots of berry fruit and a bit of spice — Syrah is a good match.

Peaches sweetened with brown sugar fill pecan-studded biscuits — a southern-style twist on an all-American favorite.

Serve this zesty salad alongside grilled chili-rubbed chicken or steak, or grilled fish tacos.

The secret to tender shortbread — a classic Scottish treat — is not overworking the dough.

Soaking the leek in vinegar and water helps to pull out the dirt and sand. Be sure to rinse well.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Rhubarb Crisp with Buttermilk Ice Cream.