Strawberry

Prepared puff pastry makes this easy.

Few desserts are as comforting or satisfying as a simple egg custard. Here we've dressed things up a bit with some extra spice and a fruit compote.

Light cookies are filled with dessert-wine ice cream and fruit. The recipe makes about six cookies, so there's an allowance for breakage or extras for nibbling.

It's a snap to make this delicious low-fat dessert-you don't even need an ice cream maker. The ice has a refreshing texture with an appealing crunch.

This recipe yields an extra cake layer that can be reserved for another time. Wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it for up to a month. Keeping the cake wrapped, defrost it at room temperature; then serve it with berries and whipped cream or ice cream.

Here's a rich treat that's filled with creamy chocolate ganache and garnished with ripe strawberries.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This cake was first made in the north of England by young women for their fiancés. It's usually just layered with whipped cream and strawberries, but in this recipe the cake is spread with a berry and rhubarb compote for extra moistness. If your guests don't eat all of this, serve it with tea the next day.

Strawberries and rhubarb are just two of the many flavorful produce varieties grown in this region. During fall and winter, the frozen versions stand up surprisingly well, especially in dishes like this compote, which we serve over ice cream or frozen yogurt for dessert or plain breakfast.

Since Lynn's birthday is in the middle of summer, her mother used to make this as Lynn's birthday "cake" when she was growing up.

Crusts made of ground biscotti and almonds accent this do-ahead dessert.

Making one large shortcake is impressive and lot of fun — especially when chocolate is added to the basic combination.

The crust of this gorgeous dessert is brushed with a layer of melted milk chocolate for a sweet surprise.