Pastries

Crusts made of ground biscotti and almonds accent this do-ahead dessert.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 25 min

Large Scone Prince Edward Island traditionalists still enjoy four meals a day — breakfast, dinner (at noon), supper, and "lunch," commencing at 10 p.m. Typical fare includes bannock or biscuits, homemade jam, cheese, and strong tea.

This satisfying, old-fashioned cake has a delicious ripple of brown sugar and walnuts running through it.

Making one large shortcake is impressive and lot of fun — especially when chocolate is added to the basic combination.

Our food editors dreamed up this variation on a classic theme for our "all-French" issue, published to coincide with the French republic's Bicentennial celebrations.

These tempting, reduced-fat muffins are a nice way to get started in the morning.

A real winner: Delicate "purses" of phyllo pastry hold a banana and hazelnut filling. They're served with white chocolate sauce and a crunchy hazelnut crumble.

Versatile breads that are good served with cheese, spread with butter and jam at teatime, or paired with a main-course salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.