Coffee

For added color in this luscious custard dessert, the chef outlines the plate with sauce of pureed raspberries.

Flourless cakes with a pudding-like center.

There's just a wee bit of the favorite Irish spirit in these treats.

Strawberry shortcake meets the ice cream sundae: what a match. The rich and easy-to-make Fudge Sauce called for here is also used in the Chocolate-Hazelnut Waffles.

These are one of my signature cookies. They taste like miniature brownies — but oh, the texture! They're reminiscent of a meringue, with a soft, chewy, fudgy center and a crisp exterior that crackles appealingly. Since these cookies are smaller and less dense, they have an elegance that brownies lack. And they don't require the same commitment as a big, gooey bar. I can never eat just one of these. They are also a particular favorite of Gramercy Tavern owner Danny Meyer, who can't eat just one, either!

This is what Nutella would taste like in cake form; it was the first recipe Gina created for our original dessert menu.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A beautiful special-occasion dessert that can be prepared a day before serving. Any leftover raspberry filling is delicious on toast or pancakes.

Using stencils to add powdered sugar designs is a great way to dress up the treats.

Melted miniature marshmallows are used to lighten and thicken this creamy mousse. Begin preparing it a day before serving.

Much richer than the average cookie, these treats start with a brownie crust, which gets filled with a luxurious mocha cheesecake mixture. The whole thing is finished off with a sour cream topping and then cut into bars. Be sure to bake the crust and filling a day before serving the bars.

This is the chocolate lover's dream dessert: rich, creamy and intensely flavored.

Christmas cookie baking starts Thanksgiving weekend for one food editor. Together with her mother, she makes family favorites like the buttery balls below.

Redeye gravy is traditionally made from ham drippings, water, and coffee, the last being an optional ingredient. Here we've enriched the savory braising liquid from lamb shanks with bacon (instead of ham drippings) for a new twist on an old favorite.

This recipe is a variation on the classic Jewish honey cake, which is traditionally eaten at joyful celebrations such as betrothals, weddings, and the New Year, when it symbolizes the hope that the future will be sweet.