Brandy

This dessert is a dense and rich chocolate mousse-like cake chilled in a mold.

Mustard and honey are a combination that's ideal for lamb or tuna steaks. It's a bit too pungent to use for dipping, but the flavor mellows with cooking. Brush the sauce liberally on meat or fish before and during grilling. The recipe makes enough for about 1 1/2 pounds of lamb or fish. Any marinade coming in contact with raw meat, seafood or poultry must be boiled for one minute before using it for basting.

These crisp, low-fat cookies are just right for dipping into dessert wine or cappuccino.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Flambéing was all the rage in the '40s, not only for its drama but also for its utility — chafing dishes let the cook go home early and let the host or hostess show off in the dining room. Everyone's heard of cherries Jubilee, but we prefer strawberries set aflame in boozy syrup.

Early French gardeners developed the espalier method of growing fruit trees-the trees are trained to grow flat against a wall or trellis-so they could take full advantage of the sun and use small plots of land efficiently. October finds markets full of newly harvested crisp apples that add wonderful flavor to this traditional French tart.

The classic almond mixture known as frangipane fills an almond crust. Sweet plums and a brandied glaze top it off.

This indulgent Cognac-spiked dessert fondue is perfect for a romantic evening by the fire.

Here is the perfect present for those who indulge in holiday eggnog — a mixture of spirit and spice to blend into the Christmas beverage. To make the gift complete, pour it into a beautiful bottle and tie a small nutmeg grater and some whole nutmegs around the neck with a festive ribbon.

(Gâteau de Pommes Grand-Mère) Sautéing the apples in butter (along with a splash of Calvados) before adding them to the batter lends an extra dimension of richness to this very simple apple cake. Enjoy a wedge with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a welcome afternoon snack with tea.

Dollops of cinnamon-flavored sour cream top this luscious soup.

Apple wedges are an imaginative addition to the gravy. Serve this turkey with a buttery Chardonnay.

A homemade version of vanilla extract.