Baking

Two toppings — one mint, one chocolate — accent these luscious treats. Serve them with your choice of fresh fruit. Wrap the brownies in foil, and pack the fruit in an airtight plastic container.

A western twist on the old-fashioned pecan pie . California walnuts, dates and brandy give this pie its candy-bar flavor.

Begin preparing the cheesecake one day before you plan to serve it.

The ciabatta does require a simple sponge but it takes only a few minutes to put together the day before making the bread. Though the dough for ciabatta is very wet and sticky, resist the temptation to add more flour. For this recipe you will need a baking stone or unglazed "quarry" tiles. Baking stones are available at cookware shops and by mail order from The Baker's Catalogue, tel. (800) 827-6836. Tiles are also available at the above sources as well as at many tile stores listed in the Yellow Pages.

An impressive but easy dessert that's like a custard with fruit baked in it. In the summertime, make it with fresh peaches or plums instead of the pears.

(Russian Potato-and-Cabbage Turnovers)

The texture of these spicy offerings varies according to baking time. Underbake them if you are partial to a chewy cookie; give them an extra minute or two in the oven if a crisp cookie is desired.

Molasses adds richness to this cake. It has a down-home style that's just right for a more casual turkey dinner.