Christmas

Bake some of these for the holidays, too.

Pear and Dried Cherry Frangipane Cake Recipe

The pleasingly chewy biscotti are coated on one end with white chocolate. In our test kitchen, imported white chocolate, such as Perugina or Lindt, yielded the best results.

Because caramel hardens so quickly, make these lollipops in 2 batches, 10 at a time.

Start this at least one day before serving.

Crunchy candy-coated cranberries make festive garnish for this inventive dessert. Begin preparing the custards a day before serving.

Madeira is combined with Cointreau, honey and spices in a simple English-inspired hot drink for the holidays.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The mincemeat adds great flavor and texture to an ever-popular dessert.

At Thanksgiving, rice stuffings are standard on many southern tables. This one, a combination of white rice and wild rice, gets more regional notes from collard greens, pecans and ham.

Pop one of these in your mouth for a burst of bittersweet flavor.

Rather than being crisp, these heirloom cookies are tender and cake-like.

Active time: 1 3/4 hr Start to finish: 2 3/4 hr (includes making pastry shell)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.