Hazelnut

A beautiful special-occasion dessert that can be prepared a day before serving. Any leftover raspberry filling is delicious on toast or pancakes.

Use fresh peaches when available - six peaches should do it.

Using stencils to add powdered sugar designs is a great way to dress up the treats.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dessert comes from Café Terra Cotta in Tucson, Arizona.

The failure-proof cookie-like crust can be prepared ahead. Use any leftover dough to make a few cookies.

You'll find all the flavors of a traditional Linzertorte — a hazelnut, spice and raspberry jam tart — in this delicious cake. The top is covered with a piped frosting that imitates the lattice crust of the classic dessert. One ingredient that is a definite departure from the original is the Chinese five-spice powder; it adds a lovely nuance.

If you're short on time, you can skip the white chocolate decoration.

Start preparing this elegant layered treat at least one day before you plan to serve it.

These little toasts are nice before dinner or alongside a green salad.

Alice Medrich, founder of the Berkeley chocolate shop Cocolat, started the craze for these intense little nuggets.

Waffles put on their black-tie best in a treat that is both elegant and homey.

My mom worked full-time as a physical therapist, yet prepared dinner each night for our family of five. By necessity, she was the queen of the shortcut. Mom served these quick and simple hazelnut cookies when we had company. The dough freezes well, so the recipe can easily be doubled to keep on hand for entertaining. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 2 hr (includes chilling)

For a savory and simple dinner, serve this trout with some roasted potatoes and a green salad tossed with pears and crumbled blue cheese.