310 ahead recipes

Crunchy low-fat coleslaw with shredded green apples, red and green cabbage, and a tangy honey-mustard yogurt dressing. No mayo needed for this crisp, make-ahead slaw.

Silky chicken and ham mousse blended with Madeira wine and whipped cream, set in a gelatin mold. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for cocktail parties and holiday entertaining.

Brown rice summer salad with tarragon vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, peas, and pimentos. Low-fat, no-mayo, and served cold. A make-ahead side dish for hot weather meals.

Confetti rice salad starts with chicken-flavored rice pilaf tossed with green onions, pimentos, and a sweet vinegar dressing. A colorful, make-ahead cold side dish for cookouts.

Fennel Nicoise braises quartered fennel with tomatoes, white wine, and thyme for a silky Provencal side dish served cold. A do-ahead starter from the South of France.

Mulled summer fruits in Chenin Blanc, a make-ahead dessert of peaches, berries, and apricots soaked in spiced white wine syrup. Served chilled with sorbet or whipped cream.

Salmon spread cheese ball: a make-ahead party appetizer with canned salmon, reduced-fat cream cheese, lemon, and Dijon, shaped into a parsley-coated ball for melba rounds.

Chocolate chip ice cream roll: a tender chocolate sponge cake rolled around softened chocolate chip ice cream, frozen firm, and dusted with cocoa. A make-ahead frozen dessert.

Rainbow meringue torte: four crisp meringue discs layered with chocolate, mint chip, and strawberry ice cream, topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds. A make-ahead frozen showpiece dessert.

Cold pumpkin souffle is a no-bake gelatin-set dessert with whipped cream, eggs, pumpkin, rum, and warm spices. A make-ahead alternative to pumpkin pie that stands tall above its dish with a foil collar.

Fresh cherry sauce simmered with white wine and lemon juice, pureed smooth, then studded with whole cherries. Nutmeg and cayenne add quiet warmth. A make-ahead sauce for pork, duck, or game.

Asian-style stuffed mushrooms with crispy bacon, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic in a savory bread crumb filling. Blanched caps keep their shape, and they're make-ahead friendly.

Greek souvlaki with lamb or pork marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon, white wine, garlic, and oregano then grilled on skewers. Includes a smart make-ahead method for parties.

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 chewy noodles with shredded chicken and silky egg strips in spicy Sichuan dressing. This make-ahead Chinese salad is perfect for hot summer nights, ready in an hour.

Spicy pear relish simmered with whole cloves, cinnamon, lemon slices, and sugar. A make-ahead condiment that pairs with roast chicken and turkey, or doubles as a warm dessert.