Electric Mixer

"This delicious cookie was created by Anna Pieklo, a Polish immigrant who came to this country at the turn of the century," writes Diana Treese of St. Cloud, Florida. "My family is also Polish, and I love making these at Christmastime." Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

The traditional French "Christmas log" is accompanied by meringue mushrooms; the ones here—formed out of marzipan (a paste made from almonds, sugar and egg whites)—are much easier to do. Look for marzipan at specialty foods stores and in the baking products section of supermarkets.

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

Hazelnuts give these airy and crunchy nuggets a distinctive flavor.

Bake this at least a day before serving.

This recipe was created to accompany Strawberry Rhubarb Napoleons. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The Italian combination of chocolate and hazelnuts, called gianduia, is used here in a sumptuous, dense cake. The torte's lustrous chocolate glaze makes this a perfect dessert for holiday entertaining.

This scrumptious pie is a snap to put together. It doesn't require any baking and has only a few ingredients, two of which are a purchased crust and a prepared topping.

The parfaits can be made a day ahead.

A sophisticated dessert that comes together easily because the pastry, cream and sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Serve the leftover cream filling like a pudding, and top it with fresh fruit.

Italian fruitcakes with Frangelico chocolate sauce If you don't have the mini Bundt molds called for, oversize muffin cups (about one-cup capacity) can be used instead. Begin preparing this at least a week ahead.

Though we used parfait glasses for this pudding to show off the layers, at the restaurant Stitt serves it in large coffee cups with saucers and spoons. The whipped cream topping looks like the foam on a cappuccino — hence its name.

Make the cheesecake up to two days before serving (it must chill at least four hours).

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr