299 ahead recipes

Salmon cucumber rounds with canned salmon, yogurt cheese, lemon zest, and tarragon piped onto crisp cucumber slices. A light, make-ahead party appetizer.

Cheddar cheese ball blends sharp cheddar with cream cheese, onion, Worcestershire, and Tabasco, then chills overnight and rolls in chopped nuts. Classic make-ahead party appetizer with crackers.

Roast fillet of beef: a whole tenderloin studded with garlic and marinated in soy, port, and thyme, then roasted and rested for a tender, rosy centerpiece. An elegant make-ahead roast for holidays.

Braised beef brisket slow-cooked with onions, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves until fork tender. Best made a day ahead for easy defatting and deeper flavor.

Spicy marinated shrimp for a crowd with 10 pounds of shrimp soaked overnight in olive oil, cider vinegar, capers, and hot sauce. A make-ahead party appetizer that serves 20.

Port-soaked dried figs stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with a whole almond. An elegant make-ahead appetizer or dessert bite that needs overnight chilling.

Roasted eggplant and pepper salad with celery, garlic, black olives, red wine vinegar, and oregano. A make-ahead Italian antipasto served at room temperature.

Concia is a Roman Jewish dish of fried zucchini layered with garlic, fresh basil, and white wine vinegar. A make-ahead antipasto that improves overnight.

Grilled Mediterranean vegetable salad with smoky eggplant, charred peppers, potatoes, and olives tossed in garlicky red wine vinaigrette for a make-ahead summer side.

Stacked crepe tower layered with spinach, ricotta, smoked ham, and roasted red peppers, baked under cheese sauce and Parmesan. A stunning make-ahead centerpiece.

Cold chicken pasta salad with sharp cheddar, pepperoni, and Belgian endive in Italian dressing. A make-ahead dish that's even better after chilling overnight.

Garlic marinated olives with lemon, bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and sherry. A make-ahead antipasto jar that gets better every day in the fridge.

Sharp cheddar sesame cheese ball with Worcestershire sauce, pimentos, and scallions, rolled in toasted sesame seeds. A make-ahead appetizer for parties and holidays.

Marinated asparagus bundles tied with blanched green onion strips and marinated in red wine vinegar with oregano and tarragon. An elegant make-ahead appetizer.

Golden squash and carrot bisque: yellow summer squash, carrots, and onion puréed smooth and enriched with evaporated milk. A vibrant, make-ahead chilled soup.

White chocolate coconut truffles with shredded coconut, a splash of coconut liqueur, and a creamy white chocolate ganache center. Easy make-ahead holiday candy.