Cinnamon

Serve these gingersnaps as the spoons for this Pumpkin Spice Mousse.

"An Indian friend of my mother's gave her this recipe for beef curry back in 1936," writes Bill Goodhue of Chino, California. "The recipe has been passed on to me, so I can still enjoy the sweet-spicy flavors of this stew more than 60 years later."

The coffee in this cake may be replaced with a sweet fruit liqueur or with orange juice.

Purchased pastry makes this pie a snap to prepare.

Perhaps the year's most popular dessert: the chocolate soufflé cake with a rich molten center. Cinnamon, espresso and vanilla give the cakes a Mexican accent.

Mexican chocolate, usually found in tablet form, contains cinnamon, sugar, and ground almonds — as do these fudgy squares.

This Majorcan specialty is usually topped with homemade almond ice cream or ice milk, but purchased almond ice cream can also be used.

There's no butter or oil in these crisp cookies, which are perfect with the Fruit In Spiced Wine For the best texture, be sure to slice them thinly. To keep them crunchy, carry them to the picnic in an airtight container.

Delicious as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

The mix of flavors in this side dish is great with broiled lamb chops or roast chicken.

Betty Caldwell was Gourmet's production director for many years. She has an avid interest in cooking and gave us this recipe, which became an instant holiday classic.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 45 min

Ras-El-Hanout This vibrant spice blend makes an excellent addition to lamb burgers or roasted chicken. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

Scottish pancakes are small and typically served not at breakfast but at teatime.