Raspberry

You can find the Neufchâtel cheese called for here next to the cream cheese at your supermarket. Don't be alarmed by the holes in your coeur à la crème molds — they allow liquid to drain out of the bottom so the hearts will be firm enough to hold their shape.

Alexis Watson of Irvine, California, writes: "You could say I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to cooking. Often I'll take a particular recipe and spend months perfecting it, as I've done with the crème brûlée."

These delicate meringue desserts would be a lovely ending to a bridal shower. The components of this dish can be made several hours ahead and assembled shortly before serving.

Inspired by Neapolitan ice cream, this pretty dessert layers cherry-studded chocolate ice cream with pistachio ice cream and raspberry sorbet. The press-in, no-bake crust is made with Italian amaretti cookies.

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from Icebox Desserts by Lauren Chattman. Strategically placed wafer cookies look like large polka dots when this cake is unmolded. Then, when you slice it, you see the stripes. Make sure the cake is fully frozen before slicing for the cleanest look.

Rose water lends a subtle floral flavor to the scones; it can be found at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Middle Eastern markets.

Be sure to use bittersweet chocolate with no more than 60 percent cacao for this recipe.

Offer chocolate truffles alongside or afterwards, with coffee or Champagne.