Beverages

For best results when making this dessert, first mix one can of cream of coconut in a blender until smooth, then measure as called for here.

A big, beautiful dessert that layers chocolate and coffee ice creams with mocha sauce in a macaroon cookie crust.

Apples and apple cider lend a pleasant sweetness to this beautiful soup.

This uses the same ingredients found in boudin blanc, the classic French white sausage. Start two days before serving.

If you don't have a spice mill, you can crush the whole spices in a heavy plastic bag, then grind them finely in the blender.

This cool indulgence is actually made with light cream cheese and low-fat sour cream. Begin preparing it the day before your party.

Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You don't know where the fish ends and the potatoes begin in this beautiful and satisfying dish Chef Desmond, of Island Cottage on Hare Island in Ireland, uses turbot that comes from the waters off nearby Clear Island. We call for halibut, which is more readily available here.

Cunetto House of Pasta in St. Louis has an excellent grilled skewered chicken entrée. Sometimes I even make a special trip just to have it. Could you request the recipe? Georgeann King Memphis, Tennessee

Don't worry if you can't wait for this yummy cake to cool - it's also delicious warm.

The classic appetizer incorporates sweet and luscious ingredients for a terrific dessert from ObaChine in Beverly Hills.

Setting the skillet that contains the caramel onto a larger skillet of ice cubes is a clever way to prevent the caramel from burning.

Serve garlic toast with this to mop up all the savory broth.

Canadian bacon makes a great accompaniment.

A sophisticated finale that's easier than pie. If you have a little extra time, you might make your own pastry shell.

We enjoyed this dish served at room temperature, but it is also delicious warm.