Electric Mixer

This rich dessert is perfect for the holidays and other special occasions.

Companion recipe to Smoked Fish Trio .

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The espresso-flavored cream puff pastry and fluffy coffee and chocolate custard filling vary from the traditional plain pastry and praline buttercream. Delicious on its own, this is even better with the chocolate caramel sauce.

A bourbon-laced cream filling and rich chocolate glaze turn the classic layer cake into something really special.

If you don't have the pastry rings we call for in this recipe, you can use 1/2-cup muffin cups. However, the batter will fill 6 muffin cups, making smaller cakes.

Like savory shortbread, these are wonderful when paired with wine, salads or soups.

To create a basket-weave design, follow the instructions at the bottom of the recipe.

You can use Meyer lemons in this cake for a lighter, more floral flavor.

Among favorite desserts of the decade were waffles, served with ice cream and syrup, as well as this easy cake's ancestor. The treat reached its maximum popularity with the increasing availability of canned pineapple and the marketing efforts of the Dole Company. Today's widely available fresh fruit-spiked with ginger, macadamia nuts and orange zest-gives a great result.

Perfect with a cup of tea, especially a nicely spiced Indian chai.

This tart has a looser texture than typical lemon tarts. Chill overnight before serving.