Candy Thermometer

Nougat is an egg white, honey and nut confection traditional in the city of Montélimar, in the Rhône Valley. It is one of the 13 sweets offered to churchgoers on Christmas Eve. Start making this impressive dessert at least one day before you plan to serve it, although it can be prepared up to one week ahead.

"Although I’ve been a subscriber for almost ten years, this is the first time I’ve written to request a recipe," writes Danette Laver of Ambler, Pennsylvania. "The honey-garlic dressing on the salad I had at Fork in Philadelphia was so good that I used a chunk of bread to soak up every last drop."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Because the oil in the pistachio paste separates from the solids, it is necessary to blend the contents of the entire can of paste in a food processor until it is creamy and light in texture.

Vanilla ice cream surrounds a soft lemon-cream and raspberry-sorbet center.

We call for English-style bitter orange marmalade (made with Seville oranges and often called Dundee) because other types made the ice cream too sweet and too soft. It's available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets. This recipe makes about a dozen more florentines than you'll need for the sandwiches, but it's a good idea to have extra in case one or two break — and the cookies are delicious even without the ice cream. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 7 hr (includes freezing)

White chocolate plus dark chocolate equals the ultimate combination. Here's a dessert sandwich of white and dark chocolate hearts filled with luscious chocolate mousse. Keep the hearts cold as you work with them (and until serving) to prevent breakage.

This starter gets a double dose of cayenne — in the cornmeal coating for the shrimp and in the garlicky mayonnaise dip.

This tart has a looser texture than typical lemon tarts. Chill overnight before serving.

Arrange in boxes lined with waxed paper. Try simple take-out cartons tied up with raffia and decorated with small pinecones.

This luscious frozen dessert can be made without an ice cram maker. Begin preparing the recipe at least one day ahead.