Baking

We were happy to learn that some brands of frozen naan are remarkably good.

Amaretti cookie crumbs, sprinkled between layers of phyllo, give lots of satisfying flavor and texture this this apple-cranberry pastry.

This recipe isn't easy, but if you're looking for the wow factor, here it is. Coming at the end of the meal, the dish reprises the flavor of the stuffed dates because each bite packs enormous punch as the sweet, savory, and acidic flavors come rushing forward.

For this one, you will need six 4 1/2-inch tartlet pans with removable bottoms.

Judi Kerr of Mendham, New Jersey, writes: "I'm a professional chocolate taster. I know it sounds like a dream job, but I get so much chocolate at work that I tend to avoid sweets when I'm at home. At the end of most days, I actually look forward to cooking dinner and making something hearty, like my chicken and white bean chili. On the occasions when my husband and I entertain, I often go back to my southern roots and make my grandmother's spirited pecan pie. The filling for this pie contains no corn syrup, which gives it a rich, dense texture.

The "crumble" in this case is a buttery shortbread topping.

At her restaurant, Magnolia Grill, Karen Barker serves this tart with fresh raspberries and whipped cream. I think it's perfect all by itself.

This cake is the little black dress of fiber — velvety and sophisticated. Medjool dates lend it an unbelievably unctuous texture. When measuring spelt flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to prevent packing it down; this will keep the cake light.

This wheat loaf is nothing like your standard "health bread" — the oats make it soft and slightly sweet, ideal for sandwiches or buttered toast.

This flourless torte is made with a minimum of ingredients — nothing more than walnuts, eggs, and sugar — then generously coated with coffee-flavored whipped cream.

A hint of whisky and tart cherries in the filling, plus an almost cakey crust, make this comforting pie unique. Serve with heavy cream for drizzling or some vanilla ice cream.

These are unusually light, with a crunchy filling. A dollop of thick, tangy Greek yogurt is a nice finishing touch.

These tangy Cheddar crisps puff slightly while they bake, making them a versatile base for hors d'oeuvres.