Nut Free

This easy dessert can also be made in eight six-ounce ramekins—simply divide the filling and topping evenly among the dishes. The baking time will be the same.

This versatile cobbler can be baked in ramekins, for single servings, or prepared in a larger dish to feed a wide range of appetites.

This rustic loaf is a perfect platform for making Italian sandwiches and is a natural accompaniment to antipasti. The bread can be wrapped in plastic and kept at room temperature for up to four days.

If you a prefer a loaf with a rounded top, you can bake the dough without the lid in place; the baking time should be the same.

Because brioche is made with a large amount of butter, it is important to use the best quality you can find. Remember: The butter and eggs must be cold, or you may end up with something that resembles cake batter, rather than bread dough. If this happens, chill the dough until it becomes workable. Never add more flour, which toughens the dough.

Our version of this traditional Christmas bread calls for an assortment of dried fruits; feel free to include candied citrus peel, whose distinctive, slightly bitter flavor is more characteristic of Italian panettone. If substituting larger fruits, such as apricots, pears, or cherries, chop them finely before using.

Instead of making two large loaves, divide the dough into four equal pieces for demi-baguettes.

This classic French loaf is traditionally formed into a leaf. You can scatter the dough with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, before baking.

Focaccia is best eaten the same day it is made, although it will keep for up to one day at room temperature; wrap well with plastic. It tastes great when warmed in a 250-degree oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Try this bread toasted in the morning for breakfast.

This bread is also delicious garnished with fresh marjoram or oregano; coarsely chop one-quarter cup herbs, then sprinkle over baked bread.

This sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to one month; let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Thaw frozen sauce completely in the refrigerator.

Keep dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day; before using, let it come to room temperature. If freezing, dough should be shaped and wrapped well in plastic first. Thaw completely in the refrigerator.

The puffy, rectangular shape of Ciabatta is thought to have inspired its name, which means “slipper” in Italian.

This is a laminated dough that is created with layers of dough and butter. It’s the foundation of many breakfast pastries, such as the ones on the following pages. This recipe makes enough dough for two batches.