Alcohol

By the end of the 1940s, Americans were starting a love affair with "gourmet" dishes like strawberries Romanoff. Here’s an updated version, flavored with Grand Marnier and vanilla.

Rick Rodgers, cookbook author and teacher, says, "The inspiration for this recipe came to me one Thanksgiving when my friends and I were sipping mugs of mulled wine while preparing dinner. I was doing a basic cranberry sauce and tossed in a bit of the spiced wine. The result was a fabulous mix of sweet and spice—and I've been making it this way every year since."

The tender nut crust and a vanilla bean syrup make these cheesecake-like tartlets extra special. Top with more nuts, if you like.

Fresh fennel, fennel seeds and the anise-flavored liqueur Pernod are combined here.

Loaded with fruit, this dessert is cut and served as you would a cake, but the texture is that of a pudding. To keep the meal kosher when your menu includes meat, omit the whipped cream frosting and serve this with nondairy topping and the berry sauce. Begin the cake a day ahead.

These delectable treats can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. They're great to have on hand for snacks or for serving to unexpected company.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

At the restaurant Antico Martini in Venice, Italy, they include the scallop coral-or roe-in the dish and use fresh porcini when in season.

Active time: 45 minutes Start to finish: 5 hours

So quick, so easy and so good.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 40 min