Chocolate

A sophisticated finale that's easier than pie. If you have a little extra time, you might make your own pastry shell.

If you spend one afternoon in the kitchen, there will be cookies for everyone on your list. You'll need at least a four-quart bowl to mix the large amount of dough.

Here's a three-layer cake that makes a sensational finale to any meal.

At the café this dessert is accompanied by raspberry sauce and topped with whipped cream.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A trifle with a few twists: a white chocolate pudding and layers of dark chocolate cream and apricot puree.

This moist Christmas cake takes its cues from the flavors and spices found in the classic Lebkuchen cookie. It's brushed with an orange-scented honey syrup, frosted with a creamy white chocolate icing and then surrounded by sliced almonds.

This recipe was created to accompany Lemon Rhubarb Cake Roll. .

Rich chocolate cookies get some Mexican flair when spiced up with cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper. Blanched almonds or pistachios can be used instead of cherries.

Enjoy this dessert at room temperature if you like a creamy texture similar to that of a soufflé, or serve the cake cold if you prefer a dense, fudgey texture.

This recipe was created to accompany Chocolate Strawberry Orance Wedding Cake .

Cake-making equipment and ingredients can be found at cake and candy supply stores. Be sure to use cake flour, not all purpose flour, and begin preparing the cake two days ahead. Buy one 1-ounce bottle of gel base color in the shade called Bakers Rose to tint both the frosting and the fondant a pale pink. Plastic drinking straws are used to support the middle and top tiers. Buy the straight—not bendable—kind.

Peanut butter cookies are an all-American classic, and the inclusion of honey, oats and chocolate chunks in this recipe makes for a terrific interpretation.

Festive and pretty, this do-ahead dessert is a boon for busy hosts.