Orange and Grapefruit Slices with Coconut

This recipe is an easy take on ambrosia and a wonderfully refreshing way to start Christmas morning. Since the coconut can be toasted up to a day ahead, and the fruit can be sliced and chilled in advance, it takes just minutes to put together.

Cheddar, Ham and Scallion Cups

These simple cheddar, ham and scallion egg cups can be prepared the night before -- so just pop a filled muffin tin in the oven for a half hour while everyone's opening presents, and then breakfast is served.

Glazed Almond and Cinnamon Coffee Cake

This aromatic cake, with a touch of spice and a sweet, dripping glaze, might just look too pretty to eat -- but we wouldn't recommend abstaining from this treat. Prepare it the day before, and on Christmas morning, just be ready to cut slices until it's gone.

Charoset recipe
Charoset plays an important part on the Seder plate, representing mortar with which the pyramids were made. It is a surprisingly delicious mixture and I always make a large batch for later in the week. Try the leftovers with Matzo Meal Pancakes and maple syrup.

Light and Fluffy Matzo Balls in Chicken Soup recipe
While there isn't any religious significance to matzo balls, these types of dumplings are common in Eastern European cooking and have become a ritual dish for the Passover holiday. Classic matzo ball soup can be made with your own homemade chicken soup or ready-made store-bought broth. There are several organic brands now available in supermarkets.

Gefilte Fish Loaf recipe
Baking a loaf of gefilte fish is so much simpler than poaching individual ovals, and making your own (instead of using store-bought gefilte fish) allows you to season the fish as you like. There are those families partial to sweet fish and those who love a more peppery version, so feel free to adjust the seasonings.

Spice-Rubbed Brisket with Roasted Carrots and Parsnips recipe
Although you can serve this brisket right after braising, it improves if made ahead, a boon to the busy cook. If you can't find brisket, look for a thick chuck roast. It won't slice as neatly as the brisket but the flavor is just as good. No large pot? Brown the meat in a heavy skillet and transfer to a roasting pan, then tightly cover with foil. Be sure to deglaze the skillet with the water so you don't miss any of the browned bits that make the sauce so good.

Parsley Fennel Salad recipe
Passover is also a spring harvest festival and you won't find a fresher tasting salad than this. Using parsley as a salad green and not just as a garnish always amazes people. If you can't find flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, use curly.

Meringue Nests with Roasted Rhubarb and Strawberry Sauce recipe
After a filling Seder dinner, this colorful dessert is a welcome treat. It is a study in contrasts -- sweet and tart, crunchy and smooth -- and totally satisfying. As an added bonus, it can be made in advance.
Powdered sugar is not kosher for Passover because of the cornstarch it contains. Our easy substitute is a combination of potato starch and sugar whirled in the blender.