Chocolate

This ice cream treat is based on the classic combination of toasted marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.

While the birth of the Brandy Alexander cocktail may be obscured in the history of mixology, the creation of the like-named pie can be traced to right around December 1933, when Prohibition was repealed. Americans could once again enjoy a legal drink. That apparently inspired some creative cooks to flavor recipes once again with wines and liqueurs, and the forerunner of this pie was born. We've replaced the traditional graham cracker crust with one made of chocolate wafer cookies, and we've added white chocolate to the rich brandy and crème de cacao filling.

Look for chocolate bars that have orange, pistachio, or caramel fillings.

Top this decadent dessert from Pastis in New York with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, if you like.

Ellen Schwab, Bethesda, Md.
"I created this cookie, which combines my two favorite flavors — hazelnut and chocolate — just for this contest."

Mexican chocolate contains cinnamon, sugar, and ground almonds, making this sauce somewhat granular in texture. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe yields an extra cake layer that can be reserved for another time. Wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it for up to a month. Keeping the cake wrapped, defrost it at room temperature; then serve it with berries and whipped cream or ice cream.

For this recipe you will need a pastry bag and a 1/2-inch plain tip.

A chewy brownie with an intense coffee flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Begin preparing this a day before serving.

This sauce hardens into a chewy candy when poured over ice cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These irresistible treats are filled with dried apricots, figs and cherries as well as dates and walnuts, and are topped with a cream cheese frosting.

A dessert worthy of the finest steak houses in Chicago, Denver or New York. White chocolate and milk chocolate filling and a bittersweet chocolate frosting give a sophisticated spin to an American favorite.

(Coffee Custards)

Here's a rich treat that's filled with creamy chocolate ganache and garnished with ripe strawberries.

A joint effort by Leigh McLean and Sweet Dreams Bakery in Memphis.

Here's an updated version of the ice cream pie — a dessert popular in America for years. It has a parfait filling instead of ice cream and is assembled in a springform pan. The familiar cookie crust and fudgy topping are still part of the recipe, but the dessert is now sophisticated enough for company.