Electric Mixer

Rosemary Leicht of Bethel, Ohio, writes: "I've been a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off three times, so I'm something of an expert at cooking with prepared doughs and bread mixes. Even though these items are simple to use, many people don't venture beyond the package directions. For each contest, I experimented with dozens of recipes, and some of my favorites have been breakfast dishes and desserts. Nowadays I don't enter as many competitions as I used to, but my family still looks forward to my latest creations." Look for cinnamon chips in the supermarket's baking section.

(CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH NUTS AND RAISINS) Here is a chocolate cake that will delight your palate. Use the best bittersweet chocolate you can find!

This delicious dessert from March in New York has a decadent molten center.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr (includes cooling)

Vanilla and Almond Frosting is an accompaniment for this recipe.

This recipe was created to accompany Apricot Berry Trifle .

A dessert that is simply ready-made pound cake that has been accented with an orange custard cream.

Begin at least a day before you plan to serve the vacherins. (Don't make them on a humid day; moisture prevents meringues from drying properly and staying crisp.) Use a 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter or a 3 1/2-inch round can to trace the bases.

This makes more pastry dough than you'll need for 24 tartlets. We chose not to reduce the recipe because pastry can be a bit tricky—the slightest change can affect the outcome (halving eggs tends to increase the chance of error). If you want to make more tartlet shells—which could be filled with fruit, ice cream, or pudding for another party—they can be frozen for 1 month. The leftover dough can also be used to make cookies.

Refreshing peppermint ice cream is sandwiched between the delicate heart-shaped meringues and then served in a pool of rich fudge sauce.

This recipe was created to accompany Minted Berry Spongecakes. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.