Candy

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For this recipe you will need a pastry bag and a 1/2-inch plain tip.

Set the truffles in paper or silver-foil candy cups, and offer them in baskets wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with raffia and pinecones. If you prefer, coat the truffles in 12 ounces of melted bittersweet chocolate instead of white chocolate.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This little sweetmeat is very popular throughout the Middle East. The Turkish term for the confection, rahat lokum, literally means "throat's ease."

The rich flavor of espresso is a perfect partner to the chocolate. Place each piece of fudge in a paper or foil candy cup and arrange in gift boxes lined with holiday paper.

These dense, moist treat are irresistible. Wrapped in a pretty box, they make a great gift, too.

Recipe tester Lena Cederham Birnbaum created this candy, which is really a cross between two confections. Its creamy texture is similar to that of a peanut butter cup; in appearance it resembles chocolate bark. Pack it in decorative boxes and tie with ribbons. It's too soft to eat at room temperature, so serve it chilled.

This nucato is related to the delicious nougat noir ("black nougat") still made in the southern French town of Sisteron. But here, there is an additional pleasant surprise when you taste it: the perfumed bite of spices. This is a perfect treat for Christmastime.

This recipe originally accompanied Double-Decker Rhubarb Ice Cream Sandwiches.

"I like to keep sweets on hand during the holidays just in case someone drops in," says Laurie Schielock of Miami, Florida. "My sister Susan's truffle recipe is indispensable this time of year. The chocolate treats have a rich, smooth texture, they keep well, and they're perfect with a glass of Champagne." Flavor the chocolate mixture with some grated orange peel or espresso powder, if you like.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 1 hr (includes cooling)

For presentation, fill decorative tins and canisters with this delightful confection.

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

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

A sweet snack, full of chewy dried cherries and apricots, to nibble or wrap as a gift.