Baking

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A tender shortbread crust with a fruit preserves filling and a chewy nut topping.

No special pan is needed to make this outstanding free-form tart. The pear filling is complemented by buttery pastry and a nice streusel topping.

Here's a candy-bar-like tart that has all the appeal of a New Orleans praline or a chocolate Turtle; this dessert version is minus the nuts.

Blueberries top a creamy light mousse in this terrific dessert. It can be made a day ahead, then garnished with the white chocolate shavings before serving.

There's a rich cream cheese base in this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

(Swedish Rye Bread) A popular offering on the smorgasbords of Minnesota and Wisconsin, this bread has a clean-tasting combination of spice and sweetness that is characteristic of so much Scandinavian cooking.

Adding macadamia nuts and ginger transforms familiar brownies into something truly extraordinary. For a festive summer finale, serve them with strawberries.