Baking

Make the cake a day ahead so that it has plenty of time to chill.

This recipe works best with Valrhona, Callebaut, or Lindt chocolate. The rich, slightly dense soufflés are made even more decadent when topped with the creamy caramel.

The almond biscotti for the easy crust are available at supermarkets, bakeries and Italian markets. The recipe is from chef Kimball Jones of Wente Vineyards Restaurant in Livermore, California.

Mashed banana gives this dessert extra moistness.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tall and beautiful, sweet and tart, this cake has lots of lemon flavor and plenty of style, too. It's the perfect finale for a St. Patrick's Day dinner or other special occasion.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 3 hr This one-bowl cake, which is really simple to assemble, owes its airy volume and fine, even texture to the proper whipping of the egg whites. When the cake is in the oven, some volume builds from the air you have whipped into the whites. But most of the volume is produced by steam, which evaporates from the liquid in the egg whites and passes through the air cells of the egg whites, expanding them. A portion of confectioners sugar helps yield an especially delicate and tender cake. Be sure to measure out your ingredients before starting.

This recipe is used to prepare Mexican Corn-Bread Pudding.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 40 min

Use this focaccia to make Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Onion Sandwiches and Genoa Toasts.

Raspberries taste wonderful with chocolate, and so do hazelnuts. All three flavors unite compatibly in this cake-like brownie.