Bon Appétit

For anyone born in the Bluegrass State, the mint julep has a special significance: It's traditionally served on Kentucky Derby Day, the first Saturday in May. But it makes a great cocktail for any warm-weather afternoon. We've added a splash of club soda to make the drink a little lighter and more refreshing.

The "heavenly" secret is a vanilla bean.

A coffee drink served at Jause, the Viennese take on afternoon tea.

This cross between a fizz and a float  — a new take on an old-fashioned treat is lovely warm-weather refreshment.

The classic drink from old Cuba is said to have been concocted by expatriate American miners with time on their hands. These tart, lime-loaded daiquiris were created by recipe developer Jeanne Thiel Kelley's father, when he had time on his hands.

A simple drink for any kind of celebration.

In Austria this is called Krambambuli.

This tastes like a thick, rich ice cream shake, but it's virtually fat-free.

This German drink, called Grossmutters Punsch (Grandmother's Punch), is usually enjoyed warm at midnight on Christmas Eve. It can also be served as a refreshing chilled drink. For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick to each glass.

Served with a scoop of ice cream, this crisp, easy shortbread makes an elegant dessert. Try it dipped into melted chocolate or served with coffee and chocolates.

Here, sautéed polenta triangles add another dimension to a southwestern-style stew.

The flavorful butter adds plenty of zip.

Tikka curry paste — used to season the chicken — can be found in Asian markets, but any mild Indian curry paste can be substituted.

For soft and chewy cookies, bake these just a couple of minutes less than the recipe directs.

Fresh fennel adds crunch and goat cheese lends tang to this meatless pizza.

A dish from the Pays de Caux region in northern France, where it is called salade Cauchoise. The salad is traditionally bound with crème fraîche, but it is delicious made with mayonnaise, too. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a festive presentation, place the toffee in clear cellophane bags and tie with French silk ribbon.