Gourmet

This classically simple milliard is similar to a clafouti - both desserts are a cross between a cake and a custard and are about as thick as a thin cake layer.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Petites Profiteroles This recipe is an accompaniment Tomato and Celery-Infused Beef Consommé with Tiny Choux Puffs You'll need only about one third of the profiteroles to go with the consommé; freeze the extras and serve them for dessert at your next dinner party with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

Most people never think about cooking cucumber—especially since that crisp, raw crunch is so perfect for salads and canapés. But cucumber acquires a wonderful velvety texture when cooked and puréed, and this soup shows it off beautifully. Even better, the flavor and color of this soup are at their best when it is warm, not hot, which takes some of the stress out of serving ten guests.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Star anise's licorice-like flavor is what sets this ice cream apart. Our version is adapted from the one served at Geordy's restaurant in San Francisco, where the custard is made with all cream, no milk.

This variation on the Chinese classic incorporates jícama, which retains the crisp texture of water chestnuts even when cooked.

For more information about forming and frying these pastry spirals, see Our Big Fat Greek Pastries.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The cactus pears (also known as prickly pears or cactus fruits) grown in the United States usually have mottled green-and-red skin and beautiful magenta-colored flesh. (The Mexican varieties tend to be smaller, and skin and flesh can be red or green.)

The two-pronged cooking method used for these wings —incorporating both braising and deep-frying — is a takeoff on the Chinese technique of steaming, then frying. We think it keeps the meat unbelievably tender while getting the skin supercrispy. Be sure to allow 2 hours for the wings to marinate.

If you have trouble finding Marcona almonds, you can substitute regular blanched almonds. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 1 hr (includes cooling)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Taglierini (also known as tagliolini) are 1/16-inch-wide ribbons of pasta. This recipe was created to accompany Taglierini with Caramelized Scallops and Rosemary Beurre Blanc .

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.