Almond

Almond-Poppy Seed Swirls

These fresh-from-the-oven rolls are made with frozen bread dough.

Almond Crescents

Offer sliced peaches with these cookies. Store the crescents in a shallow airtight container.

Winter Squash-Stuffed Pasta with Almonds

Tortelli di Zucca con Mandorle Don't be fooled by the broth — this is not a soup recipe. Only a very small amount of broth is poured over the tortelli before serving. To grate the cheese, use the ragged-edged holes of a box grater (not the teardrop-shaped holes we recommend in our Recipe Tips). That way, you'll have the correct texture for the filling. Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 6 1/4 hr (includes making stock)

Apple-Almond Crisp

There's extra crunch in the topping from lots of sliced almonds. Vanilla ice cream is good with this.

Cream of Lentil and Chestnut Soup with Foie Gras Custard

Adapted from La Régalade

Almond, Apricot, and Cherry Tart

For a shiny finish, brush the warm tart with melted apricot preserves.

Spinach Salad with Oranges and Almonds

Honey, Almond, and Date Ice-Cream Sauce

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Almond Cake with Berries

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 45 min

Chocolate-Glazed Chocolate Pear Torte

This dense, moist chocolate cake, made with dried pears, is stunning when decorated with gold leaf. Of course, you can always simply top it with chocolate curls.

Cantaloupe, Honeydew, and Almond Bombe

This dessert is a trompe l'oeil, resembling the peel, rind, and flesh of a cantaloupe.

Pear and Currant Streusel Rounds

Baked in individual ring molds, these little desserts feature caramelized pears, streusel topping and sweetened cream.

Black Olive Clafoutis

Chef Lionel Lévy uses black olives in this unusual clafoutis but still serves it as a dessert, along with a mâche salad drizzled with lemon-honey vinaigrette. We like that combination in place of an after-dinner cheese course, but we also think it makes an excellent (and surprising) first course.

Caribbean Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter

Rum and spices-classic Caribbean ingredients-also happen to be the classic ingredients in the traditional English steamed pudding. This lovely version of the Christmas dessert is from the Grand View Beach Hotel, Villa Point, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Begin preparing it at least one day before serving.