Chocolate

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from The Essence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine Chocolate by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg. Contributed by Michel Richard. Michel Richard adds an element of surprise to even the most classic of dishes. His version of crème brûlée pairs a smooth, cool layer of vanilla custard with a topping of silky dark chocolate mousse. The contrast is exceptional. The dessert can be made the day before and refrigerated, but the caramelizing must be done just prior to serving. When caramelizing the topping, we prefer a propane torch — available in most hardware stores — to the smaller, more expensive, and less effective culinary torches.

This big-deal cake can be made a day ahead.

Crystallized ginger makes these a little different. It's available, already chopped, in the spice section of many supermarkets.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Simple and Sophisticated Meals from Around the World by Lynn Alley. For more on slow cooking, click here. . Who would have thought you could make chocolate chip cookies in a slow cooker? Though they'll certainly look different from what you're used to, the flavor is great and they're easier and less labor-intensive to make. The cookie slices are delicious topped with ice cream, or simply served with a tall glass of cold milk.

Rena Cunningham of Pasadena, California, writes, "One of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants is Cobras & Matadors. My maid of honor even surprised me with an engagement party there. She keeps mentioning the delicious chocolate soufflés we had that night. I'd love to give her the recipe as a thank-you."

A drink that can also stand in for dessert.

This tart has a creamy, almost puddinglike center. We used bittersweet chocolate so the ganache filling wouldn't be too sweet. Choosing a quality brand results in more well-rounded flavor and even silkier texture.

East meets West in this dessert version of the spring roll.

Two of these nutty nibbles are only 225 calories.

Peanut-studded brownies, peanut butter frosting, chocolate ganache...what better way to savor the PB-chocolate combo?

A thick, rich glaze makes these decadent.