Molasses

Holiday spices and molasses give these chocolate truffles seasonal charm.

Remarkably easy, but pretty and elegant enough for a dinner party.

If you normally take your coffee with milk, you'll find this particular recipe for black coffee a welcome change—the molasses and cinnamon give it a warm and slightly exotic depth that's simply irresistible. Be sure to use coffee that is not finely ground.

Jan Esterly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes: "Even though it gets cold where I live, I love grilling outside year-round. This recipe makes a regular appearance at our dinner table."

Chilled shrimp in piquant remoulade sauce is a Creole classic. Here, it tops pumpernickel toasts spread with a chili-molasses butter. What to drink: Berry Rum Punch.

The zing of ginger and the sweetness of molasses combine in perfect proportions in this cookie, sent to us by Jane Booth Vollers of Chester, Connecticut. Her grandmother, Helen Dougherty, made batches and batches of them every holiday season.

Holiday alert! Here's a filling that comes together in no time. If there is some dough on hand or a crust in the freezer, you're all set to go.

Polly Tafrate of South Salem, New York, writes: "I've taken dozens of cooking classes over the years, but some of my best lessons in the kitchen have come from my husband's family. His sister and his mother have shared many delicious recipes with me, including the ones here."

It's really worth seeking out the cane syrup for this recipe — it makes for a much more complex-flavored ice cream. Look for cane syrup that is labeled "100 percent pure;" some brands are cut with corn syrup. Cane syrup is available at some southern supermarkets and by mail order for Steen's (800-725-1654). This recipe is an accompaniment for Peaches "Foster" with Cane Syrup Pecan Ice Cream. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 5 hr (includes freezing)

Make these little cakes using four 10-ounce mini-bundt pans (not non-stick). Ten-ounce ramekins would also work.