Grape

(GATEAU DE BEAUMES-DE-VENISE AUX RAISINS) Named after a town in the Vaucluse and the sweet, fortified wine produced there.

This classically simple milliard is similar to a clafouti - both desserts are a cross between a cake and a custard and are about as thick as a thin cake layer.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Here, grapes top rounds of puff pastry (purchased, for ease), which form the crust of the two rustic tarts.

Our food editors loved shavings of Stilton cheese on these tarts. We understand that nobody has much room for dessert after a big meal, much less one with cheese, but these tarts are actually quite light and refreshing: The Stilton lends depth and provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet grapes and crust.

This bread uses a yeast starter that needs to be made at least one day ahead.

To get the look we wanted for this tart, we used grapes in assorted colors and shapes and halved the larger ones. Taste grapes before making the pastry cream. Their flavor will determine how much sugar you use— if the grapes are tart, use 1/3 cup sugar; if sweet, use 1/4 cup.

Madras-style curry powder, which is spicier than the standard, adds a little heat here.

Juniper is a traditional seasoning for meats and game. Look for the dried berries in the spice section of the supermarket. What to drink: A Rhône red or varietal Syrah.

Schiacciata means "flattened down," and in Tuscany the term generally refers to flatbread—what everyone else in Italy calls focaccia. During the wine-grape harvest, Tuscans make a not-too-sweet dessert or snack of bread dough and grapes, said to be of Etruscan origin. Realistically, at this time of year in the United States it will be hard to find a grape flavorful enough for this recipe. If you can't find great grapes, save this recipe for next autumn, when Concord grapes are in season, and substitute the almond cookie recipe.

Add a splash of Angostura bitters, a flavoring found in the supermarket's liquor section, for an intriguing spicy note.

Kir royale, the French aperitif of Champagne with a splash of cassis, becomes a sophisticated sorbet or granita. If you have them, Champagne coupes or martini glasses make elegant servers.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Here's a colorful and delicious addition to a brunch menu. It also makes a lovely light dessert on its own.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.