Prepared in advance : Our Recipe Ideas

Prepared in advance : All recipes and menus

Here you’ll find all the recipes that are perfect for making ahead of time—carefully crafted with love by the site’s foodies!

Preparing meals in advance is a simple and effective way to stay organized in your daily life. Recipes that can be planned ahead save time, reduce the stress of last-minute meals, and help you take better control of your diet.

Whether it’s for daily lunches, family dinners, or meals with friends, “make-ahead” cooking adapts to every lifestyle.

On this page, you’ll find a selection of recipes designed to be prepared several hours—or even several days—before serving.

Gratins, slow-cooked dishes, mixed salads, desserts, or freeze-friendly preparations: these recipes retain their flavor and even improve with time. They’re ideal for optimal organization without compromising on taste.

Cooking ahead also means making more mindful choices: less waste, better-planned menus, and balanced meals always ready to go.

Discover practical and delicious ideas here to plan your meals ahead and make the most of your time, both in the kitchen and at the table!

Spain

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Spanish Chickpea Stew (Cocido de Madrid)

My friend Pascale cooked us this traditional Spanish chickpea stew, known there as Cocido madrileño. She adapted this recipe from the book , which, she told me, is now her favorite cookbook and has ...

England

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English chocolate cake

Here’s the recipe for English chocolate cake, which my neighbor Andrew introduced me to. It’s a classic British recipe perfect for teatime.With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make this delicious ...

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Chocolate Walnut and Almond Tart

This fall, my father gave me a bunch of walnuts from his garden. This bountiful harvest inspired me to create this recipe for a walnut, almond, and chocolate tart. It’s a crispy, utterly indulgent ...

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Old-Fashioned Custard

Here is my recipe for old-fashioned custard, with delicious hints of vanilla and caramel. I discovered this recipe thanks to the radio show "À la bonne heure," which aired a few years ...

Alsace and Lorraine

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My homemade Quiche Lorraine

Here’s my recipe for homemade Quiche Lorraine, a family favorite. Everyone loves it—kids and adults alike—and it’s as delicious as it is easy to make! With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make this ...

Provence

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Traditional Nice-style Ratatouille

Here is my recipe for traditional Niçoise ratatouille, which I got from my Provençal mom! How do you make this traditional ratatouille? As you’ll see, this “old-fashioned” ratatouille recipe has an ...

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Spinach and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

Here’s my recipe for a puff pastry tart with spinach, goat cheese, and pine nuts. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that I make all the time when I’m short on time. The kids and visiting friends love ...

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Homemade whole-grain crackers

With this recipe for homemade grain crackers, you’ll be able to wow your guests at cocktail hour! This recipe for homemade appetizer crackers is simply magical—thanks, Mom! 🤩 In no time at all, you’ll ...

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My Chocolate Banana Pie

Here’s my recipe for a chocolate-banana tart—easy to make and truly irresistible 🤩 Sweet tooths will be in heaven with this chocolate-banana tart made with a shortcrust pastry base and topped with ...

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Goat Cheese and Summer Vegetable Tarte Tatin

Here is my recipe for a goat cheese and summer vegetable tarte tatin. It’s a unique and delicious dish, perfect for a summer meal with family or friends. Your choice: Tarte Tatin or upside-down ...