5 Ingredients or Fewer

The heady flavor of almond is threaded through this lovely dessert. The combination of Amaretto and warm pear juices creates a fragrant syrup, and a crisp, nutty topping adds welcome contrast to the tender roasted fruit.

Corn on the cob is slathered in crema or mayonnaise, topped with cotija cheese, and dusted with cayenne in this classic Mexican street food.

A long turn in the oven gives these juicy plum tomatoes good caramelization, lending sweetness to their robust flavor.

Tortino di patate This dish—which may be the ideal marriage of potatoes and cheese—shows that luxury ingredients like Parmigiano-Reggiano are often at their best when presented in the most straightforward way.

Cookies may seem odd in a vegetable galette, but Italians often use amaretti to enhance squash—and it works with sweet potatoes, too. Whereas the potato and kale galette is savory, this is a little sweet, so it's worth making both.

A crisp potato cake would be tempting enough—even without the surprise of garlicky kale sandwiched between its layers.

Only one more fruit is added to this vibrant red applesauce, yet its fragrance and tastiness seem to triple. Smooth and elegant, it complements roast meats and makes a wonderful dessert on its own.

Baked creminis bursting with a buttery pecan and garlic stuffing make for eye candy just waiting to be devoured.

Here, something savory becomes addictively sweet and salty. The confectioners sugar helps brown the eggplant, and panko adds crunch.

Chef Michael Schlow of Boston's Via Matta created this dish for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program. The sweet and tangy strawberries are delicious on their own, but for a more decadent dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.

Editor's note: The recipe below is excerpted from Cal-a-Vie Living: Gourmet Spa Cuisine and is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Cal-a-Vie.

Buy baklava at Middle Eastern markets or order from parthenonfoods.com. Start making the granita a day ahead.

Pancakes, ice cream, pound cake, fresh fruit—they all just got a little bit better.