European

This classic tart, essentially a frangipane filling enclosed between two layers of puff pastry, is named for the French town in which it was created. We recommend using an insulated baking sheet instead of a regular baking sheet to prevent the bottom of the pastry from getting too browned during baking.

Pasta frolla (Italian for “short pastry”) is the basic pastry dough of Italy. Our recipe yields enough dough for 2 crostata (you’ll need to double the pumpkin and ricotta filling).

With its chewy exterior and warm, puddinglike center, this dessert might be considered the more refined cousin of molten cake. With or without crème anglaise, it’s a showstopper.

This recipe can be doubled or tripled.

This recipe will also make four 16-ounce servings; divide filling amounts accordingly.

To produce the delightful hard surface that crackles when tapped with a spoon, you will need to brown the sugared tops with a small kitchen blowtorch, available at most specialty stores.

Wide and shallow 9-ounce molds are perfect for crème brûlée because they provide ample surface area, ensuring a bit of crunchy topping in every bite. You’ll need five of them for this recipe. Ten 4-ounce ramekins can be used instead; reduce the sugar topping for each custard to 1 1/2 teaspoons, and add 10 minutes to the baking time, as the custards are deeper.