Cake

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

Cornmeal gives this cake a coarse texture that is a delightful foil for the smooth filling and whipped cream frosting.

I'm still telling my friends about the cherry-almond coffee cake from the White Rose Inn in Emporia, Kansas. I had it for breakfast in the morning, then requested it again with my tea the same afternoon. Virginia Doser Corona Del Mar, California

The contrast of the subtle white chocolate cake and frosting with a tart-sweet lemon curd filling is superb.

This cake has all the lightness of its pale vanilla with an extra fillip of chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder added to the batter; the orange glaze brings out the chocolatiness even more. And the self-rising cake flour, which helps the dessert to rise triumphantly high, virtually guarantees a perfect-every time creation. A flavorful sherbet, such as banana or raspberry, makes an ideal accompaniment to this cake.

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

We garnished this cake with Vanda orchids, an edible flower often used to decorate drinks in Hawaii.

These little cakes can be put in the center of a gift basket filled with other goodies, or wrapped in foil and festive holiday paper to be given on their own.

Vermont's maple sugaring season is in early spring, and Vermont Grade B maple syrup-which has a more pronounced flavor than Grade A-is available by mail order in quart-size containers from Highland Sugarworks, Websterville, VT, tel. (800) 452-4012.

A different take on favorite Thanksgiving flavors, this beautiful do-ahead pumpkin dessert is made even easier by the use of purchased sauce.

This moist cake is delicious served warm with cream, but can also be offered cold.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A spice cake that's great with coffee.