Dried Fruit

Bake some of these for the holidays, too.

In most of France, turkey with chestnuts has become a standard Christmas dish, but in the southwest, goose is preferred.

The pleasingly chewy biscotti are coated on one end with white chocolate. In our test kitchen, imported white chocolate, such as Perugina or Lindt, yielded the best results.

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

Start this at least one day before serving.

This version of the Greek and Turkish dessert features dates instead of nuts. Date palms flourish in the hot climate of the Middle East.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The sauce for these cheese-based latkes, which are great for breakfast, can be made two days ahead. Be sure to serve the pancakes (enough for four people) as soon as they are made.

Homemade malted vanilla-bean ice cream is layered with a bittersweet chocolate sauce and drunken dried cherries.

The pastry for this tart is very light and crisp. For best results, handle it as little as possible and keep it cool. You will need a 12 1/2- by 1-inch fluted round tart pan with a removable bottom, available at cookware shops and by mail order from Bridge Kitchenware, tel. (800) 274-3435 or (212) 838-1901.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Washington pears and California raisins complement each other deliciously. This is perfect with vanilla ice cream.