Kirsch

Only 1/3 cup of flour is used in this recipe, so the cake has a deliciously dense texture.

Depending on the size and shape of your waffle pan, the yield for this recipe will vary. Freeze extra waffles to enjoy later. Karen Barker makes her own chocolate sauce and chocolate chip ice cream with cherries.

Begin preparing this one day ahead.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a nice addition to this delicious dessert.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try any leftover sauce on ice cream.

Look for the heart-shaped cake ring at cake and candy supply stores, or call Jane's Cakes and Chocolates at 800-262-7630. You can also use a buttered and floured 8-inch round cake pan with 2-inch-high sides.

This dessert is a dense and rich chocolate mousse-like cake chilled in a mold.

A classic flavor combination-chocolate and cherries-turns everyday vanilla ice cream into a special dessert. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Summer's luscious cherries topped with oats, almonds, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Cheese fondue originated in Switzerland, but chocolate fondue was a New World recipe created in 1964 by Konrad Egli, a Swiss-born chef working at New York's Chalet Swiss restaurant. Zurich's Toblerone chocolate works well in the dish, because its honey-nougat blend echoes the honey and almond flavoring that are also in the recipe.

Flambéing was all the rage in the '40s, not only for its drama but also for its utility — chafing dishes let the cook go home early and let the host or hostess show off in the dining room. Everyone's heard of cherries Jubilee, but we prefer strawberries set aflame in boozy syrup.