Sour Cream

A big finish for a big celebration dinner.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. We used osetra caviar for this hors d'oeuvre, but feel free to substitute your favorite. Any leftover caviar can be used to brighten up a number of dishes, from scrambled eggs to pasta.

"I've had some unforgettable meals during my travels," writes Chris Forney of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "but I've never felt compelled to request a recipe from Bon Appétit until now. While in Charleston, South Carolina, recently, my wife and I ate at the Peninsula Grill. I can't stop thinking about the coconut cake I had for dessert there." This impressive-looking cake will delight coconut-lovers. The filling needs to chill overnight, so be sure to begin preparing this dessert a day ahead of time.

Fruit simmered in cinnamon syrup is a typical after-dinner treat throughout Mexico.

Here's a terrific twist on the classic fruit-and-shortcake theme.

Enfrijoladas Enchiladas, entomatadas, and enfrijoladas are all different preparations that take a corn tortilla and bathe it in a sauce of chiles, tomatoes, thick cream, or — as they prefer in Oaxaca — long-simmered black beans. While it is traditional to fold them into quarters or thirds, you can also fold them over once. Wait to season the beans with salt until they are just soft.

To make graham cracker crumbs, add the crackers (broken into small pieces) to processor and blend until finely ground. For best results, use Philadelphia-brand cream cheese. Bake the cheesecake at least one day and up to two days before serving.

When slicing the cabbage, try to go nice and thin. Toss with the dressing and let it rest before serving, so the vegetables will soften. The slaw becomes creamy then.

This is best eaten the day it's made — left to sit longer, the cake can get a bit soggy from the fruit.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Zingerman's is one of the best-known corner delis in the Midwest. This classic creamy potato salad, which has just the right amount of mayonnaise tang, is a mainstay on the menu there.

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes making pastry shell)

In this version of the classic holiday dessert, a croissant bread pudding is steamed in the oven instead of on the stove top. Ignite the finished product in front of the guests for maximum effect.