Citrus

The perennial Christmas gift gets a luscious face-lift in this impressive cake. We guarantee that it won't get shuffled around, and no one will make any jokes about it. Store the cake in the refrigerate for up to three weeks before giving. Wrap it in some red or green cellophane, and present it in a decorative box (a hatbox is fun) tied with a big, bright bow.

Lemon curd, lemon-cornmeal shortcakes, blueberry sauce and fresh blueberries are teamed in a winning dessert.

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

This combination of black and green olives, onion and garlic is a rendition of the relish served on the classic New Orleans sandwich called muffuletta from the Palladio restaurant in the Hyatt Regency in Rochester, New York.

An easy-to-make sauce to accompany grilled chicken or to toss with pasta. Sprinkle the pasta with some crumbled feta cheese before serving, if desired. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's a bright and refreshing salad. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Stout, in the sharper-flavored ale family of brews popular in Great Britain, gains its dark color from the roasted malt used in its brewing. The rich, malty flavor melds well with the molasses and aromatics in this moist cake, which is brightened with a lemon glaze.

This delicate cake can be prepared a day before serving. Try this easy orange sauce over ice cream, too.

Broil or sauté an assortment of red, green and yellow bell pepper strips to serve alongside the chicken, and complete the main course with orzo pasta tossed with olive oil. Baklava from the bakery and strong coffee finish this Greek-themed meal.

For the following salad, you may prepare the dressing and lettuce early in the day so they can be tossed together just before serving.

Serve this saucy dish with steamed rice or crusty French bread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Enjoy the crisp, delicate treats on their own or with ice cream or mousse.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.