Candy

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 30 min

For this recipe you will need a large marble slab or other heatproof work surface (about 20 by 20 inches) and a bench knife-a rectangular metal blade used for cutting and lifting doughs (do not use a plastic pastry scraper). Bench knives are available in cookware shops. The candies can be individually wrapped in wax paper or candy wrappers.

Pop one of these in your mouth for a burst of bittersweet flavor.

The combination of chocolate and coconut makes for a luscious treat.

Cooking times may vary slightly because of differences in microwave power.

The brittle is a great gift on its own.

This is a wonderful combination of cookie and candy, with the crumbly crust serving as counterpoint to the chewy caramel topping. For a nice presentation, place the cookies in paper candy cups, and set the cups in a basket; wrap clear cellophane around the basket, tie it up with raffia and decorate it with pine cones. Save the irregularly shaped leftover cookies to enjoy as a snack.

The sophisticated chocolates are deceptively easy to make and are particularly nice with coffee (and Cognac) after a special meal.

These sweet and spicy nuts — which go great with drinks — would make a nice hostess gift.