Make Ahead

You could also serve it on its own with crackers or bread, or offer it as a relish for grilled chicken or fish. It can be made with black olives as well as with green.

Though perfectly delicious on its own, this ice cream also makes a great accompaniment to spiced apple cake or caramelized apple crêpes. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 12 hr

With a texture somewhere between ice cream and sorbet, this dessert has a slightly tangy flavor all its own.

These pretty mixtures of bread and sweetened berries are inspired by the classic English dessert called summer pudding. Begin preparing them one day before serving so that the bread will absorb the delicious juices.

For this easy starter, the nonfat yogurt is strained to a thick texture and then combined with oregano, lemon peel and cayenne.

While this cake tastes delicious on its own, enhance it with dollops of whipped cream or nondairy topping and a few orange segments.

Despite what you may think from looking at the ingredient list, this mousse is not overly rich—the consistency is actually quite delicate. Pair the mousse with a green salad, and you've got a terrific brunch or light supper. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

This recipe involves tempering, in which the chocolate is melted — and if necessary, cooled — to a temperature of just below body heat. Tempering chocolate helps to ensure that it will be glossy and stay firm at room temperature.

These creamy custards feature the flavors of chai, a spiced tea that's enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger.

Franklin serves this dish like a green salad, but it's also

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 9 1/2 hr (includes cooling and chilling)

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A nice dish for a brunch buffet.

Make this at least one day and up to two days ahead for best flavor. This is a much simplified version of the classic smoked meat and bean cassoulet.

To make the toasted coconut for the meringue, spread flaked coconut on a baking sheet and bake on the center rack of a 350°F oven, stirring often around the edges, until light golden, about ten minutes.

These biscotti are equally delicious made with roasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts in place of the cashews.