Walnut

A crisp is one of the easiest desserts that a nonbaker can make.

Executive editor Barbara Fairchild has a reputation as the staff chocoholic, so it's no surprise that her kitchen gift for the holidays is a big batch of brownies. A tried-and-true recipe from her mother, these treats are rich and very moist.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The apple-essence syrup is brushed over the cake to infuse it with flavor and make it extra-moist. If you prefer, substitute apple cider for the brandy.

A great cocktail snack to have on hand, these will keep for a week before serving.

Adding fleur de sel at the end transforms this tart into a delicious cross between a cheese course and dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You can serve this dish—a cheese and fruit course in one—in lieu of dessert. Half a pear with some greens also makes a nice first course or light brunch.

Type: Drop cookie
Habitat: United States
Description: These are my first-ever memorized recipe, which I make again and again. These are easy and quick to make and combine sweet, crunchy vanilla-scented meringue with toasted walnuts and dark chocolate morsels.
Field Notes: My mom found this recipe in a church cookbook, where they were called Surprise Meringues. The surprise is that you only see a hint of the chocolate and nuts inside the cookie; when you bite into them, there is an explosion of flavor and textures.
Lifespan: 2 weeks at room temperature in airtight container.

A crunchy and colorful salad with a lively dressing. Pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds can be substituted for the cranberry juice concentrate and cranberries.

This is a free-form tart with a crisp flaky crust topped with crunchy walnuts and sweet/tart cranberries. It is easy to make and an attractive dessert on a holiday table. Serve the galette with crème anglaise or vanilla ice cream.

Colorful bits of cranberries, walnuts, and pistachios make these simple cookies sparkle for the holidays.