Peanut Butter

This Szechwan dish is traditionally made with toasted sesame paste, but peanut butter has been substituted here with good results. One secret of this light but flavorful rendition is to dress the noodles just before serving them. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Make the cheesecake up to two days before serving (it must chill at least four hours).

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

These cakes are actually better made ahead. They become richer and fudgier one to two days after baking.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

There's something for everyone in this traditional specialty. Don't forget to soak the bamboo skewers before using them.

Peanut butter cookies are an all-American classic, and the inclusion of honey, oats and chocolate chunks in this recipe makes for a terrific interpretation.

Fudgies, says my friend Cindy Kane, "are the most wonderful food in the world." She must really think so, since she's sent me the recipe three times. It is pretty great, though, and not only that — it's also easy enough for children aged eight and up to make for themselves. And, says Cindy, "It makes more than you'd think." The only change I've made from her recipe is that I've substituted unsweetened chocolate for cocoa.

On Valentine's Day, it would be hard to beat these lovely treats. Good news: You can begin pre-paring them a day ahead.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to slice; using a grill pan is the simplest way to cook the slices.

Leftover roasted chicken or turkey makes this rendition of a popular salad a snap to prepare. It's made spicy by combining chilies with linguine, green onions, snow peas, cilantro and a peanut dressing.

Crunchy peanuts team up with peanut butter and caramel in this decadent candy bar-like sweet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.