Pecan

Scented with nutmeg, these distinctive light little cookies have been a family favorite for many years. They are easy to make, melt in your mouth, and are far better than store-bought meringue cookies.

A sinfully rich dessert that's amazingly easy to prepare.

We couldn't have an American potluck dinner that didn't include at least one thoroughly native dish. The wild rice, hickory nuts, and dried cranberries in this salad are a nod to the potluck's origins.

Costillas de Cordero con Salsa de Nuez y Chipotle The lamb is first coated with a dry rub of chile seeds and spices, and then roasted.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 10 hr (includes soaking raisins)

"This is the cake I bake for most family events," writes Mary Charlotte McCall of Tallahassee, Florida. "I started making it years ago because my three new stepdaughters liked it so much. It's always a hit at big parties, club meetings and kid-related events."

In this recipe we slowly "double-cook" the quince, which prevents the fruit from crystallizing and heightens the pinkish- orange color it turns when cooked.

For an extra burst of orange flavor, mix some unsalted butter with grated orange peel to accompany these homespun biscuits.

The perennial Christmas gift gets a luscious face-lift in this impressive cake. We guarantee that it won't get shuffled around, and no one will make any jokes about it. Store the cake in the refrigerate for up to three weeks before giving. Wrap it in some red or green cellophane, and present it in a decorative box (a hatbox is fun) tied with a big, bright bow.

Stout, in the sharper-flavored ale family of brews popular in Great Britain, gains its dark color from the roasted malt used in its brewing. The rich, malty flavor melds well with the molasses and aromatics in this moist cake, which is brightened with a lemon glaze.

It's so easy to make these processor-quick biscuits ahead if you like. Then reheat, split and fill them with ice cream and berries just before serving.

Any combination of nuts will work nicely in this winter tart.