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A super-creamy dessert that will have cheesecake lovers begging for seconds.

This butter is delicious on grilled fish or roast chicken, and will keep, chilled, up to 1 week, or frozen up to 1 month. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

To bake these tartlet shells all at once, you will need 50 tartlet pans, each 2 inches in diameter (across the top) and 1/2 inch deep. However, you could also make these tartlets in batches, using fewer pans.

Mashed Plantains with Crispy Salt Pork The crisp pieces of salt pork-known in Cuba as chicharrónes-give this dish its distinctive flavor.

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

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"I'm a music teacher, and baking is the extracurricular activity I like most," says Sue Reddin Ellison of Edgewater, Colorado. "This cheesecake is a family favorite as well as an impressive do-ahead dessert for entertaining. I make a similar version with pecans instead of hazelnuts; either way, everyone loves the smooth filling and the nutty crust." Begin preparing this a day before serving.

For many Southerners the holidays wouldn't be the same without coconut cake. Because coconuts can be difficult nuts to crack — especially for cooks new to the task — we offer an easy method that involves baking the coconut briefly (which does not alter the coconut's flavor appreciably). If the coconut doesn't crack while in the oven, it will once force is applied.