Baking

Though similar in texture to a flourless chocolate cake, the addition of poppy seeds makes this torte delightfully different.

At the inn, the cake is decorated with Frangelico-flavored whipped cream and garnished with chocolate-covered almonds. Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.

Purchased pastry makes this pie a snap to prepare.

These make-ahead savory pies are wonderful centerpiece dishes for a casual dinner.

If making these cupcakes for a large crowd, do not double the recipe but make multiple batches.

We've added a topping of walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds to a southern favorite.

The name for this time-honored dessert probably is derived from the fact that it was prepared with cornmeal, which the early American settlers strongly associated with the Indians. Similar in texture to thick porridge, this easy-to-make classic is great on a cold day when you want something warm, comforting and sweet.

These are drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate. Other cookie-cutter shapes may be used as well.

Be sure to bake these breadsticks until they are very crisp.

New York cheesecake is dressed up for the holidays with bright cranberry topping, white chocolate in the filling and a hazelnut crust. The cake can be prepared up to two days ahead.

Perhaps the year's most popular dessert: the chocolate soufflé cake with a rich molten center. Cinnamon, espresso and vanilla give the cakes a Mexican accent.

Mexican chocolate, usually found in tablet form, contains cinnamon, sugar, and ground almonds — as do these fudgy squares.