American

This recipe calls for natural peanut butter, which has less sugar than regular and gives the cookies a richer peanut flavor.

You can make your own pancake mix by combining the dry ingredients and storing them at room temperature in a resealable bag until ready to use.

These spice-laden cookies originated in colonial New England; the candied ginger is our own addition. As the name implies, the bars are best after being hidden away for a day or two, so the flavors have a chance to deepen.

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

These turnovers are a variation on the classic pain au chocolat. For maximum flavor, look for the highest-quality chocolate possible, such as Callebaut, Valrhona, or Scharffen Berger.

Coating the muffin tins with butter and sugar gives these little chocolate cakes sparkle and a bit of crunch.

Draining the rhubarb keeps the cake from becoming soggy.

The buckwheat flour adds a deep, assertive flavor to this dessert; the flour is also highly nutritious.

This sauce can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat over medium-low heat, or bring to room temperature before serving.