Orange

Vary this yellow cake according to your mood and what's available. For instance, add sliced and lightly sugared fruit on the top of the unbaked batter, or top it with crushed nuts before baking, or split the baked and cooled cake to spread it with a layer of preserves, then dust it with powdered sugar.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Shrimp with Orange Dust . Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Add corn biscuits (you can find them in the supermarket refrigerator case) and a romaine, arugula, and radicchio salad with goat cheese. Coffee ice cream drizzled with Kahlúa is a nice dessert.

For convenience, these can be made up to three days ahead.

A fresh and colorful accompaniment to simply poached salmon.

These cookies owe their whimsical moniker to a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

A full-bodied Merlot would go well with this impressive Mediterranean-style dish. For an appetizer, offer melba toast spread with blue cheese; pass hot crusty bread with the shanks; and complete the supper with a simple green salad. Afterward, break out a lemon meringue pie from the bakery.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Buffalo Prime Rib with Orange Balsamic Glaze. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

If you can't find blood oranges in your supermarket, you can substitute regular navel oranges in both the tart and the Orange Caramel Sauce.

Here's a fresh take on the classic combination of fruit and cheese. Placing parchment on top of the pears as they are poaching helps keep them moist and submerged in the poaching liquid.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Inspired by Florida chef Norman Van Aken's mango habanero mojo, this sauce is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled pork or chicken. Be sure to wear protective gloves while mincing the chile.