Electric Mixer

"Over the years, I've come up with several pound-cake recipes using different fruits and spices," writes Sue Knechtel of Ottawa, Ontario. "I've had varied results—some good, some bad and some just ugly. My best creation is this ginger version."

This recipe yields more meringue squares than you'll need for the ice cream–filled napoleons. The extras can replace any that break — and they also make a delicious snack.

The black pepper is not necessary, but it does add interest and a pleasant warmth in the mouth. If you'd rather, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger with the dry ingredients, instead of the pepper. These are perfect with ice cream and fruit. This recipe uses approximately 4 lemons.

The cake pans, cardboard rounds, and dowels are available at cake and candy supply stores; or call Jane's Cakes and Chocolates at 800-262-7630.

Inspired by the oversize black-and-white cookies that are practically an institution in delis all over the country.

These "cakes" are really festive cookies.

You can substitute pears for the apples.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

"I have been enjoying Aperto restaurant here in San Francisco ever since it opened eight years ago," writes Leslie Appleton, of San Francisco, California. "Everything prepared in that little kitchen is delicious and attractively presented. If you could obtain the recipe for the soft-centered chocolate soufflés served there, you would make me very happy." These can be prepared ahead.

Unsweetened coconut can be found at natural foods stores.

Remember the commercial that re-created the invention of Reese's Peanut Butter cups? A woman is walking down the street eating a chocolate bar, and a man is walking the other way eating a tub of peanut butter. They bump into each other, causing the chocolate and peanut butter to mix. Overcome by the new taste sensation, they immediately check into a motel (I may be misremembering that last part). I've never cared for the chocolate-peanut butter combo, so if that idiot had ruined my chocolate bar, I would have pushed him into oncoming traffic. But my mom, who says she's going to have chocolate with peanut butter for her last meal, swears by these cookies. She thinks they're even better than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

This cake can be prepared one day ahead. Sweetened cream of coconut is available in the liquor section of most supermarkets.