Crème de Cassis

There's no easier dessert than fresh fruit. But for something a little more spirited, we topped it with some store-bought lemon curd lightened with yogurt and flavored with crème de cassis. This simple dessert is a snap to prepare.

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

Pack the fruit and sauce separately, and keep the sauce chilled.

Festive and pretty, this do-ahead dessert is a boon for busy hosts.

Surprise — a bit of ketchup helps the sweet and tart flavors blend. Make this up to three days ahead.

For convenience, chill these individual eggless custards overnight before serving. The sauce can also be made a day ahead.

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

Begin preparing this delicious dessert at least one day ahead.

Cranberries are cultivated in Canada, and tradition there calls for hosts to make a punch for Christmas guests. Here, the crop and the custom merge in a delightful champagne cocktail, which takes a French turn with the addition of crème de cassis.

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.

Chopped toffee candy gives orange-scented vanilla ice cream a surprise crunch in this easy and innovative dessert.

A beautiful dessert for the December entertaining season.