Food Processor

The "heavenly" secret is a vanilla bean.

For this recipe, you will need a 13- by 4-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable fluted rim, available at specialty cookware shops.

Bright and fresh, this sauce is also fantastic over broiled salmon or scrambled eggs.

This easy pâté can be made three days ahead.

Here, sliced fresh peaches and a rich brown sugar caramel sauce accent scoops of ginger-flavored frozen mousse. Margarita glasses make terrific sundae dishes.

Serve the pesto with grilled or sautéed scallops, chicken, or fish. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The name banoffee plays on the combination of a banana filling and a topping of coffee-flavored whipped cream. This inspired dessert comes from pastry chef Abigail Langlas at Alan Wong’s award-winning restaurant in Honolulu.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Begin preparing this a day before serving.