Electric Mixer

The texture of these spicy offerings varies according to baking time. Underbake them if you are partial to a chewy cookie; give them an extra minute or two in the oven if a crisp cookie is desired.

Molasses adds richness to this cake. It has a down-home style that's just right for a more casual turkey dinner.

At the Markham in New York, this cake is served with toasted almond ice cream.

Fast-rising makes these moist, fragrant breads quick to prepare. Serve them warm, accompanied with butter or with olive oil for dipping.

Steamed artichokes would be a great beginning. Accompany the delicate and sophisticated goat cheese souffl with a mixed green salad, whole wheat baguette and some sliced tomatoes. Wrap up chocolate-dipped strawberries and shortbread cookies. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Tropical flavors give a new spin to these traditional holiday cookies.

Similar to a flourless cake, this one contains only a small amount of flour, which results in an incredibly rich, fudgelike dessert.

Because they contain so little flour, these cookies have a chewy, brownie-like texture.

The classic Passover sponge cake transformed: Here it's layered with raspberry sauce, lemon custard and sliced bananas.

Moist gingerbread is paired with a brandy-spiked dried-fruit compote in this luscious finale to the feast.

This lovely treat is usually filled with simple whipped cream and presented at teatime. Inspired by a dessert from Ballymaloe Cookery School, this one is dressed up with luscious coffee-whiskey cream and coffee-flavored meringues.

The almond paste in these muffins adds wonderful flavor and keeps them moist.

Here's a fine-textured cake with a luxurious cream cheese and whipped cream frosting.