Almond

For soft and chewy cookies, bake these just a couple of minutes less than the recipe directs.

For a festive presentation, place the toffee in clear cellophane bags and tie with French silk ribbon.

(TORTA DI RISO CON COMPOSTA DI CILIEGE E ALBICOCCHE) This flourless dessert is popular, especially on the Po River plain. The texture is more like that of a rice pudding than that of a cake. The compote is a refreshing partner. For a treat, uncork a semisweet Lambrusco.

This sensational caramel filling complements any kind of nut, so mix and match to suit your own taste.

These can be prepared one week ahead.

Frangipane is a classic pastry filling with ground almonds. Here, pistachios are also added. Both the pastry and the filling can be made one day before baking.

Because the more traditional dark fruitcakes aren't really to her liking, senior editor Sarah Belk created this one, filled with her favorite nuts and dried fruits. To make these gifts even more festive, she suggest decorating the glazed cakes with additional dried fruits and nuts.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A super-creamy dessert that will have cheesecake lovers begging for seconds.

Serve these with a creamy potato gratin. Market Tip: Avoid steaks with lots of cartilage — they will be tough and chewy.

If whole blanched almonds aren't available, substitute whole raw almonds with skin on.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr