Make Ahead

New York City's classic dessert gets a luxurious lift from chestnuts.

These ice cream sandwiches are served at Hula Grill in Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii.

Apricot and berry jams are especially nice filling for these cookies.

(Greek Cucumber and Yogurt Salad)

Components of this salad can be prepared one day ahead, then tossed together at the last minute. Offer white wine spritzers and iced tea with lunch. Colorful ornamental kale can be found at some supermarkets and specialty foods stores.

Around the Gulf and other coastal regions of the United States, African-Americans revel in shrimp. In this recipe, the shrimp are spiced twice, once while cooking and a second time in an overnight marinade. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Honey, brandy and spices enhance purchased marmalade for an easy-to-make gift.

(Wheat Berry Salad with Tomatoes, Tuna, and Capers) Kamut, a strain of wheat said to date back to ancient Egypt and now widely available in health-food stores, is a good substitute for Sicilian durum wheat. It is very similar in taste and texture when cooked. Spelt, though a bit chewier, is also acceptable. It too is available in health-food stores.

Because the torte is so rich, a small piece really satisfies. Start preparing this the day before you plan to serve it.

Named for the famous resort island in the Bay of Naples, this chocolate nut cake is one of Italy's few chocolate desserts. It's a specialty of all the fancy pastry shops in Chiaia, the district of Naples closest to the dock where the ferries leave for Capri. The cake is often decorated with a stencil of the island and of a solitary palm tree.