1. In a small bowl, mix paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rinse ribs and pat dry. Rub herb mixture over both sides of each rack, pressing so it sticks. Wrap each rack in heavy-duty foil (see Notes).

2. Prepare grill for indirect heat: If using charcoal, ignite 60 briquets in a chimney starter (or mounded directly on the firegrate). When they're dotted with gray ash, in 15 to 20 minutes, push equal amounts to opposite sides of grate. Add 3 more briquets to each mound now and every 30 minutes while cooking. Set a drip pan on grate between mounds, then set cooking grate in place. If using gas, turn all burners to high, close lid, and heat for 10 minutes. Then turn center burner(s) off so heat is at edges of grill, not under cooking area; turn outside burners to medium.

3. Lay foil-wrapped ribs on grill, convex (meaty) side up, not directly over heat; overlap slightly if necessary. Cover and cook until tender when pierced (through foil), 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Carefully remove foil from ribs. Brush tops (meaty side) lightly with cherry-Zinfandel barbecue sauce, turn over, and cook until sauce is browned, about 10 minutes. Brush concave (bone) sides, turn again, and cook until browned on that side, about 10 minutes longer.

4. Transfer ribs to a board and cut between bones into individual ribs. Season to taste with salt and serve with remaining barbecue sauce.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Wine pairing: Zinfandel

1. Pour olive oil into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until limp, 3 to 4 minutes. Add Zinfandel, ketchup, cherries, vinegar, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, ginger, black pepper, anise seeds, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid begins to thicken slightly, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.

2. Pour mixture into a blender and add 2 tbsp. lemon juice; whirl until very smooth. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. Use warm or at room temperature.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1/4 cup.

1. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, and honey to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Trim stalks from fennel; chop enough feathery green fronds to make 2 tbsp. and reserve. Cut heads in half lengthwise, then shave into paper-thin strips (see Notes) or cut into thin slivers.

3. In a bowl, combine fennel and bell peppers. Drizzle with dressing and mix gently to coat; cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day (see Notes). Just before serving, sprinkle with reserved fennel fronds.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In the bowl of a food processor, combine 3 cups flour, 3 tbsp. sugar, baking powder, and salt; whirl until blended. Add 1/2 cup butter and pulse until fine crumbs form. Add cream and pulse just until dough comes together when you squeeze a clump.

2. Turn dough onto a floured surface and press to flatten slightly. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top, then knead until incorporated, 6 to 8 turns. Pat dough out to 1 1/4 in. thickness. With a 2 3/4-in. round cutter, cut out shortcakes; gather dough and pat out again as needed to cut all 6 cakes, dusting surface with more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Set shortcakes slightly apart on a baking sheet, brush tops with melted butter, and sprinkle generously with sugar.

3. Bake shortcakes until golden brown, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet at least 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, gently mix 3 tbsp. sugar, berries, and mint.

5. With a serrated knife, carefully slice shortcakes in half horizontally. Set bottoms on plates and top with berry mixture, dark chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Set tops in place.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir whipping cream and chocolate until smooth, about 15 minutes.

2. Stir in vanilla. Serve warm.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1/4 cup.