Citrus

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

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.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Offer with lots of hot tortillas and cold beer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min The tangy citrus and nutty flavors of the dressing make this asparagus a nice complement to the spiced chicken breast or to simply prepared fish.

This sauce would also taste great served with a variety of fish, as well as sautéed scallops, shrimp or lobster.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Cooking lobsters is often perceived as a last-minute frenzy. The following recipe lets you progress through menu-planning worry free: The lobsters can be parboiled in the morning and kept chilled until you're ready to grill them at dinnertime. To satisfy any die-hard lobster-and-butter traditionalists at your table, you might want to serve some clarified butter along with the dipping sauce.

The curd can be prepared up to four days ahead; the assembled tartlets, one day ahead.

Named for the four fruits that go into this recipe, the drink is a refreshing accompaniment to brunch at Sarabeth's restaurant in New York.