Christmas

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are excerpted from The Dooky Chase Cookbook by Leah Chase and are part of our story on Mardi Gras.

Fuyu persimmons look like orange tomatoes and have a melon-like texture. Many farmers' markets and supermarkets carry them from October through December.

Improv: Substitute lemon peel for the orange peel, and cinnamon for the cardamom.

Begin the morning with the beautiful, festive (and easy) drinks.

A big dose of lime (from lime juice, zest, and oil) really makes these sing.

Tip: Trim chocolate desserts of high-fat, high-cal extras like crust.

These delicate little almond cookies are perfect for entertaining; the contrast between the crisp cookie and gooey-sweet jam will keep guests coming back for more. And it takes less than 30 minutes of hands-on cooking time to whip up a batch.

Sausage, egg, scallion, and cheese are layered over garlicky "Texas toast" in the heartiest take on savory bread pudding we've ever come across — just the sight of it could stir a cowboy-size appetite. This stick-to-your-ribs breakfast for a crowd can be completely assembled the night before.

Holiday spices and molasses give these chocolate truffles seasonal charm.

These crisp cookies get their delicate appearance from confectioners' sugar dusted over a lacy doily. For an intense chocolate flavor, use a dark, Dutch-process cocoa, such as Droste or Valrhona.

Jewel-like gelées are the darlings of pastry chefs at the moment. They also happen to be easy to make at home.

The cake takes its name from the wife of Jack Turner's former headmaster, but the recipe is reportedly an ancient Scottish one. Aluminum foil stands in for the traditional newspaper.

The delicate, refreshing flavor of fresh mint leaves infuses the cream used to make the peppermint filling. You'll need a stand mixer to make the pastry.

Even if you're not an eggnog lover, you're going to love this custardy ice cream. Freshly grated nutmeg and the rounded complexity of dark rum lend it a rich flavor — plus a lovely aroma that will put you in the holiday spirit while you make dessert.

A prized Christmas sweet from Tuscany, panforte means "strong bread" — but it's more like an almost-flourless fruitcake.

Remarkably easy, but pretty and elegant enough for a dinner party.

This fresh side is a delicious alternative to cranberry sauce.