Dried Fruit

Made of dried figs blended with coconut and a pop of cinnamon, pack these energy balls along for a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up.

With a wheat-free coconut-date cookie crumb–like crust, a creamy coconut layer, and a rich chocolate topping, these bar cookies will remind you of your favorite candy but taste so much better.

This recipe looks more daunting than it actually is. You basically make a bread dough with a bit of butter and egg in it, knead it for a while, the leave it alone to do its thing.

These cookie bars are studded with the best parts of traditional fruitcake (orange zest and dried fruit) and spiced up with lots of fresh ginger.

It’s hard to know if a parsnip will have a woody core, but generally speaking, small ones are tender throughout. Worst case scenario? Trim the tough centers before cooking.

Crunchy tender carrots tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing meet soft and blackened dates for literally everything you want in one bite.

Ravishing, like a fairy in a vast taffeta ball gown. The pastry will shatter, which is rather lovely, offering wisps of crispness with the soft, creamy cheesecake. This is lighter and less rich than most.

Figs soak up a Marsala wine caramel sauce as this tarte Tatin–inspired dessert bakes in the oven.

This elegant little fall galette is studded with whiskey-soaked cranberries.

A mix of roasted and raw veggies and a poppy seed dressing bring a pleasing variety of textures to this holiday side.

This super-easy recipe is a perfect canvas for punchy, crunchy toppers like toasted coconut and mustard seeds with turmeric oil and a zingy chutney. The dal is vegan but full of hearty protein thanks to the chickpeas, lentils, and coconut milk.

My older daughter can put away some of these oatmeal cookie bites like it’s her job. Gymnastics helps her keep active, which means she’s often super hungry, and I love to have these on hand for when she needs a snack.

Using dates as the primary sweetener here means a lot less sugar in the ice cream, making it ideal for those who need to cut down on sugar but still want something sweet.

Save your beautiful farmers' market berries for dessert and use the frozen stuff here instead.

The sweet, spicy, and tart flavors in this coconut-turmeric relish make it a perfect match with cauliflower.

Loving meatballs has never been this rewarding. They're gilded with lots of strong spices and set in a cooling swoosh of yogurt and anointed with the sweet brightness of a mint pesto. Sound fancy? Not really. We use ground lamb, which is naturally fatty and can be baked without sacrificing juiciness or a charred crust.

Make a hearty, vegetarian, tagine-inspired dinner in just 20 minutes with only pantry ingredients.

Chia seeds thicken this summery kefir-based white chocolate pudding, while coconut-candied pecans add a welcome bit of crunch.

Spoon this chunky condiment over baked fish, roasted veg, or pork chops.

Elegant, sweet, and delectable, these are true treats that fit every occasion. Definitely adjust the filling for what ingredients are local and in season where you live, and you’ll have an endlessly surprising dessert.