This velvety mousse bursts with a tangy citrus flavor. This could be the perfect ending to a spicy meal. SERVES 6 1½ cups (10 ounces) dried apricots 1 cup water ½ cup honey ¼ cup orange juice (from 1 large orange—reserve 3 thin slices for garnish) 1 tablespoon...
Kheer (Rice, Almond, and Cardamom Pudding)
This creamy pudding, fragrant with cardamom, adds a nice balance to a spicy Indian meal. It is rich; therefore, small portions will be very satisfying. Although it is simple to prepare it does demand a lot of stirring; so read a book, or prepare other parts of your...
Indian Pudding
The unique mingling of cornmeal, molasses, and ginger makes this classic American dessert one of my favorites. It's quick to put together, nutritious, and so delicious, and it's best served warm; therefore, time it so that it comes out of the oven about 1 hour before...
Pear and Apricot Crisp
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...
Poached Pears in Red Wine with Raisins
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...
Poached Honey Pears Topped with Ginger Custard
This variation of the classic French dessert combines the sweet succulence of pears with rich, ginger-laced custard. It is not difficult to make, nor does it take much time, yet it bears a simple elegance. SERVES 4 4 large pears, ripe but still slightly firm...
Baked Apples with Honey and Brandy
On a crisp fall or winter day, what could be more comforting than a spicy baked apple adorned with whipped cream? SERVES 4 4 large tart apples (such as Cortland or McIntosh) ВЅ cup honey Вј cup brandy 2 tablespoons water ВЅ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch nutmeg Pinch...
Maple-Glazed Baked Stuffed Apples with Crme Frache
A dessert that is relatively simple to prepare yet tastes so rich and satisfying. The apples are coated with maple syrup and filled with a mixture of walnuts, raisins, and spices that puffs up during baking. The sweetness of the apples and maple syrup is nicely...
Marinated Oranges in Grand Marnier Sauce
If top-quality sweet oranges are available, this fat-free, simple dessert is just the thing to serve as a light finale to a rich or heavy meal or as a sweet conclusion to a brunch. SERVES 4 6 navel oranges 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon water Вј teaspoon cinnamon Two...
Brandied Fruit Compote
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...
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
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...
Raspberry Almond Torte
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...












