Baking

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Outstanding on their own, but even better with <epi:recipe link="" id="5779">Ginger Butter</epi:recipe>.

Unlike American scones, the Scottish version isn't loaded with butter. The less-rich result is an excellent foil for lots of jam, butter, and whipped cream.

This recipe is perfect for Christmas Day breakfast since it can be completely assembled the night before and then baked in one batch in the oven.

Tangy crème fraîche and a very grown-up rum-pineapple topping take cheesecake to an entirely new level. For best results, use Philadelphia-brand cream cheese.

An elegant finale to the meal; the cake has a light texture, and the filling provides great pumpkin flavor with a hint of orange. Pour a late-harvest Sémillon with dessert.

Dark chocolate, light chocolate and coffee fillings alternate with nut meringue layers, and dark chocolate ganache covers the whole torte. This is an irresistible version of the traditional Parisian dessert.

Summer's luscious cherries topped with oats, almonds, brown sugar and cinnamon.

The nutty topping is the perfect complement to the sweet-and-tart filling.

Unlike most scones, these have an unusually light, cakelike texture.

Cocoa, espresso and orange add a sophisticated note to a classic pecan pie.