Electric Mixer

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

European-style butter pushes the already incredible crumbly richness of classic shortbread to a whole new level.

"The Harmony House Inn in New Bern, North Carolina, is a beautiful old place with a comfortable, homey atmosphere," says Mary Ann Callahan, Binghamton, NY. "The Kirkpatricks, who run the inn, serve consistently delicious breakfasts. I've tried several of the breads and rolls, and they're all great. But the best thing going is the Heath Bar coffee cake." This cake has a sweet, crunchy topping, and it's easy to prepare. Serve as a breakfast treat or snack.

Nancy Pellini Morrow of Haddonfield, New Jersey, writes: "My friend and I had a wonderful meal at Canyon Southwest Cafe in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Everything we ate was top-notch, but the best part was the cheesecake with mixed-berry sauce we had for dessert."

American spice: Powdered-sugar icing decorates these crisp gingerbread-like treats.

Janet Fletcher, food writer, says, "Sure, I loved sweet potatoes with marshmallows when I was a child, but some tastes you leave behind. Now I prefer a more grown-up preparation, with an intriguing hint of Sherry."

Don't be nervous about making these rich and spicy soufflés — they're durable enough to be reheated. And it's normal for the puffy tops to fall when you remove the soufflés from the oven. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Frozen desserts seem especially festive — and no less refreshing — in the cooler months.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

"The Metropolitan Bakery in Philadelphia makes fabulous breads and other baked goods. My personal favorite is the carrot cake: It's moist and tender, and it's drizzled with a tart lemony icing," says John K. Wildemore IV of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "I hope you can persuade the owner to share this recipe." Olive oil is the surprise ingredient in this recipe. The result is a rich cake that doesn't have even a hint of olive oil taste.

Sour cream and vegetable oil moisten the cake, and raspberry jam adds a nice touch to the frosting. Decorate this rich old-fashioned layer cake with a few edible flowers (roses would be pretty) and candles.

Italy's sweet and buttery-smooth mascarpone cheese adds flavor and creaminess. Begin this cheesecake at least one day ahead.

"I eat right most of the time, but every once in a while I treat myself to a few of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies," writes Donna Staley of San Diego, California. "They're my version of an old-fashioned refrigerator cookie."

California orange groves inspired this version of the cake shaped like a Yule log.

For convenience, you can begin making the crust up to two days before you plan to serve the pie. Maple sugar is available at some supermarkets and at natural foods stores.