Baking

This is a terrific make-ahead appetizer. The steak must be coated with the spice rub and chilled overnight before grilling, then the empanadas can be assembled completely one day before baking.

Here is a sensational layering of cake and toffee sauce that's served warm, accompanied by whipped cream or crème fraîche.

Pumpkin and apricot are a winning combination in this cake; it's topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting. For decoration, place several dried apricots between sheets of plastic wrap, and using a rolling pin, roll to flatten. With scissors, cut out leaf shapes from the apricots, and arrange them on top of the cake.

This tart was inspired by a specialty of the Engadine region of Switzerland. It has golden layers of puff pastry that surround a honey, caramel and walnut filling.

These cheese straws may be assembled and frozen ahead of time and then baked at the last minute, as described in the procedure. Alternatively, they can be put together and baked the day before serving and kept in an airtight container, though they will not be as crisp as just-baked cheese straws. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Some cooks may prefer the convenience of substituting dried egg whites for the fresh ones called for in the following recipe. (This will eliminate having to find a use for the yolks.) Dried egg whites are increasingly available in supermarkets or by mail order. Here, you will need 1/4 cup dried egg whites, reconstituted by stirring 3/4 cup lukewarm water into them as package instructions indicate.

These easy-to-make flatbreads are a terrific treat for picnics and tailgate parties.

Frozen blueberries make these muffins a year-round treat. You can use blue cornmeal for this recipe, but of course, the yellow works just as well.

For best results when making this dessert, first mix one can of cream of coconut in a blender until smooth, then measure as called for here.

Mashed potatoes give this spectacular bread a moist texture.

If you don't have a spice mill, you can crush the whole spices in a heavy plastic bag, then grind them finely in the blender.

Some cinnamon and pepper give these wonderful cookies a south-of-the-border flavor.

To peel apricots, blanch about 20 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water, then slip off the peels with a paring knife.