Flan

Flanes de Coco This classic Iberian dessert was introduced by the Spaniards. In the version below, coconut, which thrives in the Pacific coast state of Colima, flavors the flans. Begin making them one day ahead; they must chill overnight before serving.

Make these a day ahead to give the caramel time to soften and the custards time to set.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr

This refreshing dessert comes from Lincoln Carson, pastry chef at the Highlands Inn in Carmel Highlands, California. It has a lovely rich texture, even though it has no eggs.

Lime peel adds a lovely touch to this creamy dessert. Begin preparation a day ahead.

Sformato D'Asparagi con Fonduta This savory flan has an intense asparagus flavor. Its texture is unusually tender for a flan, without a trace of egginess.

Crisp European rolled cookies would be nice alongside this large, impressive custard.

We love the added flavor and texture the crust brings to this dessert, but if you're short on time, the crème caramel on its own is still delicious.

This silky-smooth dessert has only two grams of fat per serving. Just be sure to mix the ingredients according to the recipe instructions and not to overbake the custard, or it will lose its luxurious texture.

Jason Corrigan, of A Touch of Garlic in Springfield, Massachusetts, writes: "As the chef at a small Italian restaurant, I have only two nights per week off. That's when I like to come up with simple dishes that my four-year-old daughter and I can make together at home. Well, mostly she just does a lot of pouring and stirring, but she loves to help. I hope one day her younger sister will, too." Make and chill these a day ahead for a treat that doesn't require much last-minute effort.

Chill the flans overnight before serving.

As a graduate student, my mother came to the U.S. from Argentina intending to study English for a year, but after meeting my father, she decided to stay. Among her Argentinian-influenced recipes, flan (the Spanish version of crème caramel) was a family favorite; my sister and I now make it for dinner parties or special occasions, where this easy dessert always receives rave reviews.