212 ahead recipes

Indonesian vegetable salad tossed in creamy peanut dressing with garlic, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Crunchy tofu, bean sprouts, and broccoli make a bright gado-gado style make-ahead bowl.

Mexican chocolate mousse with flambeed Jamaican rum that burns off the harsh edge and leaves deep, smoky-sweet flavor folded into clouds of whipped cream. A make-ahead dinner-party dessert.

Fresh raspberries nestled in a toasted walnut crust and covered with silky white chocolate ganache. This elegant make-ahead tart chills overnight and serves beautifully for any special occasion.

Cold vegetable rice salad with crisp-tender green beans, peas, cucumber, and tomatoes tossed in a tangy tarragon vinaigrette. A refreshing make-ahead side for potlucks and summer cookouts.

A rich, fudgy steamed chocolate pudding made with semi-sweet chocolate and pecans, served warm with a fresh raspberry-liqueur sauce. An elegant make-ahead dessert for special occasions.

Mayo-free pasta salad with marinated artichoke hearts, alfalfa sprouts, black olives, and red wine vinegar. The artichoke marinade doubles as the dressing in this tangy, make-ahead side.

Italian braised lamb and potatoes with pecorino cheese, red capsicum, and garlic simmered in stock until fork-tender. A make-ahead casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Slow-braised pork belly and kidneys with orange zest, celery, garlic, and rosemary, made a day ahead so the surface fat lifts off cleanly. Old-school British casserole craft.

Caramelized onion topping with rosemary and toasted pine nuts, slow-cooked in butter and olive oil. A savory make-ahead spread for crostini, pizza, roast meats, or tossed with pasta.

Caribbean shrimp and black bean salad: poached pink shrimp ringed around a chilled black bean salad punched up with picante, lime, honey, cilantro, and red onion. Make-ahead summer plate.

Smoky chipotle salsa simmered with roma tomatoes and garlic, then pureed smooth for a deep, fiery table sauce. A bold make-ahead salsa that keeps for days and freezes well.

Two-layer banana cake studded with chopped Butterfinger bars, spiked with dark rum, and coated in a glossy semisweet chocolate ganache. A showstopper that can be made 2 days ahead.

Shredded carrots and turnips baked in a rich Parmesan custard with scallions and parsley until golden and bubbling. An elegant, make-ahead side dish for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Frozen coffee ice cream cake layered on a chocolate wafer crust with amaretti whipped cream, toasted almonds, and a rich Amaretto dark chocolate sauce. Make-ahead elegance for any celebration.

Make-ahead wild rice chicken casserole loaded with crunchy water chestnuts, tender celery, and a creamy mushroom soup topping baked until golden and bubbly. Freezer-friendly comfort food for two.

Ginger icebox cookies with molasses, three teaspoons of ground ginger, and a slice-and-bake method. Make the dough ahead, chill, and bake crisp rounds whenever you want fresh cookies.