Compote

This eye-catching fruit mélange also includes kiwi, which isn't tropical but is very colorful and refreshing. Using store-bought sorbet makes this even easier to prepare.

Rosemary and peppercorns in the bouquet garni give an unexpected kick to this chilled dessert, which is elegant on its own or spooned over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

"While in Vancouver, we had a wonderful meal at Diva at the Met. The star of the show was the Stilton cheesecake. Could you persuade the chef to part with the recipe?" asks Mark Horne of Laurel, Mississippi. Editors' note: Pairing Stilton and rhubarb may sound like a joke, but we had to try it. It turns out that the joke's on us — the combination is terrific. Chef Michael Noble caramelizes the top with a blowtorch, but we think the cheesecake is also delicious without the crackly crust.

This recipe originally accompanied White Chocolate Rice Pudding with Dried Cranberry Compote .

This recipe originally accompanied Gingerbread with Dried Fig, Apricot and Cherry compote Also sensational over vanilla ice cream.

This recipe originally accompanied Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake with Cranberry Raspberry Compote Also good over ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. To accompany Ice-Cream Bombes with Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries

This recipe was created to accompany Strawberry-Rhubarb "Courting" Cake.

A simple dessert sauce that is absolutely delicious spooned over scoops of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of a microwave.

Any extras are great cold for breakfast. As an alternative to the vanilla ice cream, top with sour cream or lowfat yogurt for a lighter interpretation.

Here's a tangy condiment for holiday entrées; try it with pork tenderloin, roasted chicken or turkey. Begin preparing the relish a day ahead to allow the flavors time to blend.

The thing Hom likes most about this dessert is the contrast of the warm, sweet fruit and the cold, tangy crème fraîche. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 20 min

Carol Gilbert of Saratoga, California, writes: "I've been working full-time since my daughter was in high school, but it took about ten years to get over the notion that I should be cooking everything — the way my mother did — and climb the corporate ladder. There's simply not enough time. I finally realized I didn't have to make everything from scratch; now I give myself permission to buy a dessert or a salad dressing if I need to." Sweet and spicy, this compote is a great topping for vanilla ice cream. Carol also serves it with pound cake. Begin the recipe at least four hours and up to one day ahead.

If you can't find kumquats, don't panic — the recipe works fine without them. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr