Baking

This phenomenal take on a classic flourless chocolate cake lives up to its translation, 'The Black Beast."

What to drink: Serve a splurge-worthy aged rum in a snifter, to sip like brandy.

This is an intriguing mix of sweet and savory. Sharp white cheddar is a good substitute for Manchego cheese.

The famous coffee flavors both the brownies and their ganache topping. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is prized for its bold, clean flavor, but good espresso beans and strong brewed espresso work well, too.

This play of bitter, sweet, and crunchy goes beautifully with an aperitif or a cold glass of beer or white wine.

Torta salata
Great on its own or as part of a meal, this tender bread is wonderfully rich, particularly when served warm.

Though these tarts look and taste as if a French grandmother had slaved over them, the abbreviated cooking time is more suited to an American's pace. The apples, cooked first in syrup, are juicy and intense.

This gorgeous dessert is a not-too-sweet symphony of nectarines and almonds. With its juicy fruit, creamy filling, and intense, slightly sticky glaze, all nestled into a crunchy, nutty crust, it would please any tart lover.

Kuchen, a German yeast cake, acts as a golden pillow for ripe pears and a cinnamon, sugar, and hazelnut topping.

Marshmallowy buttercream tops the crunchy crust and tender interior of this rich cake. Fresh blackberries add a lush fruitiness and tame the sweetness with their slightly tart flavor.

Try this Mexican-inspired quiche for brunch, lunch, or dinner—it’s good anytime of day!

Grape focaccia is a Tuscan classic. Here, we've reworked it with two kinds of cheese and a dash of sweet wine.

There's no tomato or mozzarella on this flatbread. Instead, we have sausage, sweet bell peppers, and Asiago cheese, just one example of how you can devise a simple but original pizza by drawing on just a handful of ingredients.

Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.

Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.

For a pretty presentation, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

This great summery tart doesn't require a special pan.