You could substitute different fruits in this delicious compote, such as oranges, pears, or figs; the idea is to have a mixture of dried and fresh fruit (all dried fruit is too heavy), and be sure to include the sliced banana. I love the combination of brandy and...

These are great served alone or alongside cookies, cakes, or other fruit desserts. They should be made the day you are going to serve them, for the berry sweats after a while and changes the texture of the chocolate. Using room-temperature strawberries ensures that...

Tortes are cakes made with ground nuts or bread crumbs and little or no flour, and they are usually only about 2 inches high. But there are many exceptions to this definition, and tortes look very different from one another. Unlike the Mocha Walnut Torte, which is...

During the height of the peach season I love to make this sweet, buttery torte and serve it with espresso as part of a special meal. It is quick to make, and is best served warm or at room temperature. Although it is still delicious on the second day, it tends to get...

This very quick torte is unusually light and smooth, with the ground walnuts being barely discernible. It is covered with my favorite icing a heavenly chocolate ganache and the entire torte can be assembled up to 3 days before serving with no noticeable loss in...

This is a most unusual cake in which part of the batter rises to the top to form the cake layer, and a thick, creamy pudding develops on the bottom to serve as a sauce. Serve it warm, and for an outrageously good combination try it with vanilla ice cream. SERVES 6 1Вј...

Here is a buttery upside-down pear cake that can be made with apples instead of pears in which case you'd have apple pandowdy but I find that pears make the most delectable version. Dark brown sugar creates a vivid glaze, so be sure to use that if you can. SERVES 6 TO...

This is a spicy version, which is interlaced with minced fresh gingerroot. Although it is still delicious served the day after, I prefer to serve it freshly made and still warm from the oven (or at room temperature) because it has a softer texture. If you prefer it...

So many people have their own versions of carrot cake. This is the best I've tasted; it is very moist and has the right touch of spice. SERVES 16 2 cups unbleached white flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups sugar 1Вј cups oil 3...

A moist blueberry-filled cake that has a crisp, flavorful topping. It is delicious plain, but is spectacular when topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream. Although when I cook I usually choose foods that are in season, this blueberry cake can be a welcome reminder...