Make Ahead

Vanilla sugar keeps indefinitely and is wonderful sprinkled over French toast or on berries. It can also be used in place of sugar and vanilla extract when baking. You can add more sugar to the container and the bean will continue to infuse it. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 2 days

Why make your own pita when it's readily available at supermarkets? One bite of these, fresh and warm from the oven, will tell you exactly why. The dough is simple to make, and because the dough rounds are thin, they bake in less than 5 minutes. But if you don't have time to make your own, store-bought pita can be warmed, wrapped in foil, in a preheated 350°F oven.

Caramel and orange add sophisticated French flair to this rich American dessert. Begin preparing it at least a day ahead.

The coating on these nuts is wonderfully delicate, and the method couldn't be simpler.

Fresh raspberries are baked into these chewy, downright irresistible blondies. You can chill them for a day before serving.

Refried beans are typically made from pinto beans, but black beans work well, too. Add a dab of sour cream if you crave a little richness.

Typical Provençal ingredients give this satisfying pasta salad a French accent. Refrigerate this at least two hours before serving.

Not quite as sweet as a pecan pie, but with the same caramel candy-like filling.

Buttermilk and lemon juice add some tang; carrots and celery add crunch.

This recipe makes more honeydew ice than you'll need for the soup, but it's also terrific spooned into our plum limeade. And this dish, like the limeade, is one that you'll want to serve right away so that the soup won't begin to darken.

Frozen artichokes simplify this recipe, which is inspired by one from cookbook author Paula Wolfert.

This dessert had its heyday on American menus about 15 years ago, and it turns up a little less frequently these days. The popularity of tiramisu never wavered in Rome, however, where it continues to be served at dinner parties and restaurants.

To bring out the best in this dish, buy or order the finest cheeses from a cheese shop or Italian deli: fresh ricotta, mild imported provolone, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

This vinaigrette is great on any type of mixed green, pasta, or marinated vegetable salads. This recipe is an accompaniment for Tuscan White Bean Salad with Spinach, Olives, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

(Haj Pesteh) Peeling the pistachios really enhances the green color of these cookies—pistachio skins can be dark purple and may muddy the resulting color. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr