Chocolate

Here's an ultra-rich ice cream that's loaded with pecans and chocolate chunks.

(Bittersweet Chocolate and Marshmallow Cookie Sandwiches) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This ultra-rich dessert is inspired by the classic Rigó Jancsi cake, named for the legendary Hungarian Gypsy violinist. Make it one day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

We have transformed this classic dessert from Blum's coffee shops, which used to grace the streets of San Francisco, into a low-fat luxury. We use caramel and Rice Krispies in the crust instead of fat-laden nuts — and you'd never guess that the rich chocolate coffee filling has no butter in it.

Marcel Desaulniers, owner of The Trellis in Williamsburg, Virginia, is known as a master of chocolate. This recipe shows why.

These cakes are great for parties because they can be completely assembled the day before and then quickly baked before serving, for the all-important "ooze" factor.

These sand tart cookies are a dream, and actually are the best version I have had of this popular Southern cookie. Aunt Mary made her cookies with ground pecans added to the batter. Halfway through the baking she sprinkled on grated chocolate. These cookies have a seductive "gritty" texture, and are perfect with ice cream, fresh fruit, a cup of coffee or tea, or simply to satisfy a longing sweet tooth.

A chocolaty version of a rich French gâteau called, aptly, a financier, this cake shows how ground nuts, melted chocolate, butter, and beaten egg whites can result in a deceptively light texture. An elegant dessert, it needs nothing more than a dusting of confectioners' sugar to finish it off.

A delectable new take on the old-fashioned summer shortcake.

"Instead of staring at the ceiling one night when I was having trouble sleeping, I passed the time by baking," says Angelo Monaco of Cambridge, Massachusetts. "The result of my insomnia was this chocolate cake. It's light, moist and really delicious."

A show-stopper centerpiece cake for February fourteenth. White chocolate provides a rich, buttery texture. To serve, remove the chocolate lid and break it into pieces to nibble along with the cake.

Espresso, chocolate and orange star in a very rich, very elegant cheesecake.

Gianduia, the classic Italian combination of hazelnuts and chocolate, is never more appropriate than in fall, when the hazelnuts are harvested throughout Piedmont. Here the mixture is showcased in a soft, simple pudding, spiked with hazelnut liqueur and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts.