Compote

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

Replacing the cinnamon with cardamom in this easy applesauce is a great way to appreciate the taste of the bracing spice.

This spice-scented compote makes a great accompaniment to the New York cheesecake.

This recipe originally accompanied Chocolate Napoleons with Mascarpone Cream and Cherry Compote .

This recipe is an accompaniment for Brined Pork Loin with Onion, Raisin, and Garlic Compote .

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

This recipe was created to accompany <epirecipelink id="2472">Lemon Macaroon Ice Cream</epirecipelink>. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

At the Rob Roy Room of the Banff Springs Hotel at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, this delicious mousse comes in an elegant cookie basket.

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.

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

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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.

"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.

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

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

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.