Almond

Capri, Italy This decadent flourless chocolate and almond cake originated on the island of Capri, where it's called torta Caprese.

Schwarzwälder Torte Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling meringues)

This dessert has a silky texture and intense flavors. Begin preparing it a day ahead.

Swiss butter cookies with rich ganache filling.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 40 min

Instead of the usual salty spiced nuts before dinner, these are served after dessert, with coffee.

"Last year I spent the holidays in Arizona with my aunt and uncle, who took me to a restaurant in Scottsdale called CREW," writes Lisa C. Holley of Washington, D.C. "I loved the goat cheese and mixed-green salad with candied nuts, and have looked for similar recipes on-line. I haven't found anything nearly as good." The candied almonds in this recipe are also delicious as a snack on their own—or sprinkled over ice cream.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

The crunchy honey-almond praline pieces in the ice cream are an easy, homemade version of turrón, a popular Spanish candy.

This is the pastry version of the popular Franco-German dessert.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The coating on these nuts is wonderfully delicate, and the method couldn't be simpler.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

Candied, or crystallized, ginger is peeled fresh ginger root that has been cooked in a sugar syrup and coated with sugar.