Pastries

A delightful new take on shortcakes. Adding a bit of gelatin to the cream helps maintain its volume when whipped.

There is hardly a wedding or garden party in the Lowcountry without these yeast biscuits. They are small, only about an inch in diameter, and they are split to hold slivers of salty country ham tempered with dollops of chutney or mustard. One ham provides enough meat for 200 to 250 biscuits. These doubly lightened breads — really yeast rolls — are also called "angel biscuits" and "bride's biscuits." Bill Neal has suggested that the "bride" is the inexperienced cook who needs the insurance policy of the double leavening.

These sweets are enjoyed with coffee or tea at Bewley's on Grafton Street, a Dublin institution that has long been part of the city's folklore and culture.

For a luxurious brunch, split open these rich biscuits and top them with smoked salmon, cream cheese and caviar.

This version of the Greek and Turkish dessert features dates instead of nuts. Date palms flourish in the hot climate of the Middle East.

Enriched with a little cream and sugar, jumbo-size refrigerator biscuits become shortcakes worthy of the season's best berries. Since there are more biscuits in the tube than you'll need, you could bake extras at the same time and save them for breakfast the next day.

Petites Profiteroles This recipe is an accompaniment Tomato and Celery-Infused Beef Consommé with Tiny Choux Puffs You'll need only about one third of the profiteroles to go with the consommé; freeze the extras and serve them for dessert at your next dinner party with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 40 min

This lovely finale is from Dwayne Fortier of La Reserve in Houston. Begin preparing it well before serving, as the mousse needs to freeze for at least six hours.

These muffins have the comforting flavor of graham crackers, with just a hint of cinnamon and sugar.

Laurie likes to use 1/3 cup each of white cheddar and orange cheddar.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.