Snack

This recipe was inspired by the tableside version prepared at Rosa Mexicano in New York City. To ripen hard avocados, leave them in a closed paper bag at room temperature for a few days.

We used apple juice to sweeten the bread, but this recipe is equally tasty made with orange juice or cranberry juice.

Make a nutritious lunch by spooning this spread into whole-wheat pita halves and layering with tomato slices. Or, for a cocktail hour snack, dab a small amount on cherry tomato halves.

You can store the banana bread, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature up to 4 days.

This piquant salsa should be prepared at least a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

If you prefer, you can bake these muffins in a standard muffin tin; spoon 1/4 cup batter into each cup.

You may substitute dark corn syrup for the golden syrup, but the flavor will vary slightly. If the cookies get too cool to shape, return them to the oven for a few seconds until they soften.

Keep the pan of simmering water nearby to re-warm the chocolate as you are working. You will need about 30 1 1/2-inch and 12 2 1/2-inch paper candy cups; they are available at most baking supply stores.

Navettes are boat-shaped cakes from Provence traditionally flavored with orange water.