Ice Cream Machine

It's hard to believe that a Michelin-starred establishment would serve a dessert that's this simple, but good cooking is about knowing when to leave well enough alone. Steve prefers Irish whiskey for the ice-cream, but you can use Scotch.

You can decorate all the cones the same way or do each one differently. If time is short, simply use purchased ice cream.

Homemade malted vanilla-bean ice cream is layered with a bittersweet chocolate sauce and drunken dried cherries.

Star anise's licorice-like flavor is what sets this ice cream apart. Our version is adapted from the one served at Geordy's restaurant in San Francisco, where the custard is made with all cream, no milk.

Giving a nod to tropical fruit, this irresistible treat combines rich ice cream with a nut crust and thick fudge sauce.

The cactus pears (also known as prickly pears or cactus fruits) grown in the United States usually have mottled green-and-red skin and beautiful magenta-colored flesh. (The Mexican varieties tend to be smaller, and skin and flesh can be red or green.)

What to drink: Fess Parker 2000 Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Santa Barbara County, or another sweet dessert wine with orange and honey flavors.

This dessert is a refreshing way to conclude a spicy southwestern meal. For a festive note, dip the rims of frozen Margarita glasses into water and then into a bowl of sugar. Attach a lime slice to the lip of the glass and fill with sorbet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Here's a great combination of colors and flavors that add up to a pretty and refreshing seasonal finale.

(GELATO AL PISTACCHIO) Gelato is made from whole milk, egg yolks, sugar and natural flavoring. This version calls for pistachio nuts. Softer in texture and more intense in taste and color than typical ice cream, gelato is one of Italy's great culinary creations.

This sorbet has summer in every bite. Be sure to use very ripe apricots, and don't neglect the lemon juice. The sorbet is best eaten right after it is made.