Berry

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 9 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.

This recipe is likely to work well with other cane berries such as blackberries and marionberries.

To make graham cracker crumbs, add the crackers (broken into small pieces) to processor and blend until finely ground. For best results, use Philadelphia-brand cream cheese. Bake the cheesecake at least one day and up to two days before serving.

Vanilla ice cream surrounds a soft lemon-cream and raspberry-sorbet center.

These elegant cakes have a soft pudding-like center and refreshing lemon flavor. Although best served warm, they can be made ahead and served at room temperature.

The foundation of this recipe is a lemon curd that can be served on its own with, say, scones or toasted brioche, or partnered with fruit. In this layered treat, some of the curd is combined with whipped cream to make the mousse, and some is used on its own. When covering the curd, make sure that the plastic wrap touches the surface to prevent a "skin" from forming on top.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A show-stopper centerpiece cake for February fourteenth. White chocolate provides a rich, buttery texture. To serve, remove the chocolate lid and break it into pieces to nibble along with the cake.

The tartness of the cranberries is accented by the sweet, crunch meringue filling served at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.

Homespun treats like cobblers and this crisp never go out of fashion for home cooks, but the past 12 months saw them show up on a lot of restaurant menus.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These fruit-rich, nutty muffins were a highlight on a summer-beach-weekend menu. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.