Almond

This recipe was created to prepare <epi:recipeLink ="14264">Apricot Almond Shortbreads</epi:recipeLink>.<P> You will need three mini-muffin pans, each containing twelve 1 3/4-by-1 inch cups.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Cassolita Cinnamon-scented caramelized onions and fried almonds crown this dish of baked squash that traditionally complements the couscous of Tétouan, a city steeped in Andalusian culture and cuisine. In Kitty's family, cassolita or cazuelita (little pot) always accompanies a platter of couscous. She serves it with her Thanksgiving turkey as well.

A decadent, impressive dessert that appeals to everyone's inner Boy Scout or Girl Scout. Begin preparing this dish a day ahead.

Panforte — a cross between a cake and a candy — is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means "strong bread"). This recipe yields much more than you'll need for the party, but it keeps so well that you'll have delicious leftovers long after the holiday season. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling)

"Since I moved from the West Coast to Santa Fe, I've been baking more quick breads because my recipes for yeast doughs just aren't the same without the sea air." Joan Nugent of Sante Fe, New Mexico. "A leftover can of coconut milk inspired this recipe for muffins. To guarantee that I always have something interesting for breakfast, I prepare extras and freeze them."

A fitting finale to a Mexican-style meal. Leftover cake is great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

This recipe was created to be used for Fresh Plum Frangipane Tart , Strawberry-Lemon Tartlets and Mixed Nut Tartlets .

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 2 hr

For a nice gift, simply decorate the jars with gold ribbon, and attach tags that include the rewarming instructions. Or pack a basket with a jar of this sauce, Coffee-Caramel Sauce , an ice cream scoop and four or six sundae goblets.

Almond "Pound Cake" Panque is apparently a phonetic spelling of "pound cake," though it really isn't very similar. The texture is somewhat more like a sponge cake. My recipe is an adaption of one by Mària Concepción Portillo de Carballido.

This Swiss staple known as Birchermüesli can be a healthful breakfast or snack. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

An impressive-looking layer cake with great flavor—and lots of room for candles.

These delicious waffles will propel you guilt-free through the morning.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

This is a simple, delicious dessert that also makes a warming and special brunch dish or breakfast. Although many baked-apple recipes are on the lean side (my mother always ate them when she was dieting), my version is luxurious yet still homey. I stuff the apples with a mix of brown sugar, dried fruit, and nuts, then bake them in a sauce of apple cider, maple syrup, and plenty of butter, which cooks down to a rich, thick glaze. I like to use Cortlands here because of their good squat shape and their complex fruity flavor, but any firm, tart baking apple will do.