Labor Day

This New York-style cheesecake — with a hidden layer of sweet peach compote — is an ideal do-ahead dessert. It also travels well: Just glaze the cake in its pan and chill. When ready to serve, release the sides, then top the cake with fresh peach slices. Begin preparing this at least one day in advance.

Tomatoes and bell pepper also give color and flavor to this impressive side dish.

We discovered that store-bought mango sorbet and ice cream were so good we could do little to improve upon them. But most store-bought raspberry sorbet lacked the color, tang, and true berry flavor of homemade.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For this robust and easy entrée, chicken is baked with a barbecue-style glaze. Removing the skin cuts back on fat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cumin, chili powder, garlic and fresh lime juice are combine in the easy-to-make spice paste. It adds lots of flavor to the beef in this recipe, but can also be used on chicken, pork, shrimp or firm fish like halibut, swordfish and shark.

Orange juice adds zip to the dressing.

This lovely finale is from Dwayne Fortier of La Reserve in Houston. Begin preparing it well before serving, as the mousse needs to freeze for at least six hours.

This cobbler is wonderful after the chipotle-honey glazed pork (frankly, it's wonderful after anything).

Margaret DeMatteo of Stirling, New Jersey, writes: "My husband recently took me to the nearby Perryville Inn to celebrate my birthday. We had a fabulous 'BLT' appetizer made with layers of fried green tomatoes, pancetta, and basil mayonnaise. I would greatly appreciate it if you could get the recipe."

Brush this peppery sauce onto beef, chicken or pork during the last 15 minutes of grilling. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

With homemade quick pickles, this will be your new signature side dish.

In this hands-off recipe, spareribs seasoned in a blend of curry powder, ginger, garlic, and lime zest are slow cooked until falling-off-the-bone tender.

Topped with whipped cream and juicy berries, this giant shortcake is a must-bake for any summer party.