Baking

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These oat biscuits—similar to shortbread cookies—are wonderful with seasonal grapes and a good-quality triple-cr
me cheese. Triple-crème is a soft, creamy cow's-milk cheese (with at least 75 percent milk fat) that has a luscious, mild flavor. Because of its natural sweetness, it's perfect with dessert; Pierre Robert, Explorateur, Le Chevrot, or Chaource are all excellent choices.

Serve this slightly warm or at room temperature. Either way, it's fantastic with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

This dense, moist chocolate cake, made with dried pears, is stunning when decorated with gold leaf. Of course, you can always simply top it with chocolate curls.

One of our editors, who was raised in the Midwest, was eager to share her grandmother's recipe for fruit cookies. Although this cookie doesn't look particularly Christmasy, it's apparently a venerable family tradition.

Elegance doesn't come any easier than this treat made with purchased puff pastry.

Old-time taste in a hurry. Serve in deep bowls with ice cream or whipping cream.

This simple, delicious recipe mixes hot and cold, sweet and tart. It's from a high-school cooking class of thirty years ago. If there is a problem with eggs in your region, do not prepare this dessert.

Even if your crackers fail to puff, they'll still taste delicious. This recipe is an accompaniment for Scallop Chowder .

This silky-smooth dessert has only two grams of fat per serving. Just be sure to mix the ingredients according to the recipe instructions and not to overbake the custard, or it will lose its luxurious texture.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Baked in individual ring molds, these little desserts feature caramelized pears, streusel topping and sweetened cream.

Thanks to purchased frozen dough, this bread is a snap to make. Serve it with soups, salads and pastas.

A crunchy salad topper. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.