Make Ahead
Black Bean Soup with Cilantro-Tomato Salsa
Begin preparing this a day before serving.
Parmesan Pita Crisps
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Waldorf Salad Celery Boats
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Green Beans and Red Bell Peppers with Marjoram and Almonds
Red peppers provide color and almonds provide crunch in this easy-to-make recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes with Fennel, Mushrooms and Goat Cheese
Great-tasting ingredients add up to a thoroughly satisfying meatless entrée that's perfect for a cool autumn evening.
Mashed Potato Bread
Make the potato sourdough starter for this tender, crusty bread one day ahead.
Turtle Bars
(Caramel Walnut Fudge Bars)
Fennel-Scented Spinach and Potato Samosas
(Savory Stuffed Pastries)
Tapenade
This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
This recipe originally accompanied Tapenade Goat-Cheese Crackers.
Cane Syrup Pecan Ice Cream
It's really worth seeking out the cane syrup for this recipe — it makes for a much more complex-flavored ice cream. Look for cane syrup that is labeled "100 percent pure;" some brands are cut with corn syrup. Cane syrup is available at some southern supermarkets and by mail order for Steen's (800-725-1654).
This recipe is an accompaniment for Peaches "Foster" with Cane Syrup Pecan Ice Cream.
Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 5 hr (includes freezing)
Southeast Asian Shrimp with Bibb Lettuce and Herbs
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Tapenade-Rosemary Aïoli
Also nice with crudités and grilled chicken.
Brownie Sundaes with Banana Chips
The brownie is really more like a flourless chocolate cake. It puffs as it bakes, and falls and cracks as it cools.