Compote

Carol Gilbert of Saratoga, California, writes: "I've been working full-time since my daughter was in high school, but it took about ten years to get over the notion that I should be cooking everything — the way my mother did — and climb the corporate ladder. There's simply not enough time. I finally realized I didn't have to make everything from scratch; now I give myself permission to buy a dessert or a salad dressing if I need to." Sweet and spicy, this compote is a great topping for vanilla ice cream. Carol also serves it with pound cake. Begin the recipe at least four hours and up to one day ahead.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This eye-catching fruit mélange also includes kiwi, which isn't tropical but is very colorful and refreshing. Using store-bought sorbet makes this even easier to prepare.

"While in Vancouver, we had a wonderful meal at Diva at the Met. The star of the show was the Stilton cheesecake. Could you persuade the chef to part with the recipe?" asks Mark Horne of Laurel, Mississippi. Editors' note: Pairing Stilton and rhubarb may sound like a joke, but we had to try it. It turns out that the joke's on us — the combination is terrific. Chef Michael Noble caramelizes the top with a blowtorch, but we think the cheesecake is also delicious without the crackly crust.

The thing Hom likes most about this dessert is the contrast of the warm, sweet fruit and the cold, tangy crème fraîche. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min

This recipe is an accompaniment for Yogurt Panna Cotta with Cherry and Peach Compote .

What to drink: Fess Parker 2000 Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Santa Barbara County, or another sweet dessert wine with orange and honey flavors.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. To accompany Ice-Cream Bombes with Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries

Any extras are great cold for breakfast. As an alternative to the vanilla ice cream, top with sour cream or lowfat yogurt for a lighter interpretation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe originally accompanied Gingerbread with Dried Fig, Apricot and Cherry compote Also sensational over vanilla ice cream.

This recipe originally accompanied Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake with Cranberry Raspberry Compote Also good over ice cream or frozen yogurt.

A unique combination of ingredients gives this compote a sweet and tangy pickled taste. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, place the toasted coriander seeds in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.

This recipe originally accompanied White Chocolate Rice Pudding with Dried Cranberry Compote .

(COMPOTE DE CERISES NOIRES) When in season, fresh cherries can be used in place of the frozen ones.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Buttermilk Ice Cream with Spiced Fruit Compote .