When I was a little girl, my friends and I would break off stalks of rhubarb and dip the raw ends into the sugar bowl, then bite off the sugary tip and squeal with delight over the overpowering tartness of the rhubarb. It was like biting into a lemon. That intense…

Here is a nutritious dessert with a distinct fruit flavor that you can make 24 hours in advance. The apricots provide an interesting tartness, and the oatmeal and walnuts give it a deliciously crunchy topping. SERVES 4 TO 6 6 ripe but slightly firm pears (preferably…

This classic American dessert is a favorite of mine, but it must be well spiced and have a rich, crunchy topping, as it does here. I have found that almost any variety of apple will do (except Red Delicious they’re too mealy); if the apple is crisp and fresh and…

This is a very pretty dessert. Dark red spicy wine colors the pears and makes them deep maroon on the outside while they remain white within. They are especially light and flavorful and are wonderful served after a rich meal. SERVES 4 4 ripe but slightly firm pears…

These are my idea of a great chocolate-chip cookie crisp, buttery, and very chocolaty. You had better hide some of these if you don’t want them all eaten in one sitting. MAKES 4 TO 5 DOZEN 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup (2 sticks) butter,…

These are the prized cookies of my childhood. My mother, Rita, would make large batches of these crisp, buttery cookies, and it was a challenge for all of us to control ourselves and not overindulge. Even now when I visit her, this is the one dessert I look forward…

(pictured with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries) Crisp, light, buttery, and richly flavored, these cookies could perhaps be equaled but not surpassed. I think they make a wonderful dessert, especially when served on a decorative platter with a side dish of fresh fruit or…

Cookies to me are a great dessert as long as they are rich and flavorful. These ginger cookies are crisp and buttery with a good dose of spiciness. They are quick to make, and you can prepare the dough up to 1 week in advance, or make it a few months in advance and…

Because these macaroons are made with unsweetened coconut rather than the commercial sweetened variety, they have a more pleasing coconut flavor. MAKES 24 COOKIES 3 egg whites, at room temperature Pinch cream of tartar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ВЅ cup honey 2 cups…

These fabulous bars have a rich brown sugar and oatmeal flavor and are covered with melted chocolate and chopped walnuts. They’d make a wonderful holiday gift wrapped individually in plastic wrap and neatly arranged in a decorative tin. MAKES 24 BARS 1 cup (2…

The size of the pan will determine the texture of brownies. The smaller the pan the more cakelike the results. I prefer chewier brownies so I use a 9 x 13-inch pan. For best results make these the day before, and, by all means, don’t overcook them. MAKES 24…

I especially like this tart because it is not too rich, and the fruitiness of the filling is very pronounced. Any ripe pears will do, but I find that Boscs are particularly sweet and juicy. SERVES 8 1 recipe Almond Nut Crust 7 ripe but slightly firm pears, peeled,…