Sherry

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

This cake and custard sauce can also be made ahead. Both should come out of the refrigerator, to take the chill off, when the first course is served. The accompanying caramelized pears, which require not more than a few minutes to sauté, make a welcome addition to the cool custard sauce and moist cake.

Giving mushrooms the au poivre treatment transforms the humble shrooms into a showstopping main fit for the fanciest of bistros.

This minty fino sherry punch is cooling and light, served by the pitcher. Float some cucumber slices in each glass, spa-water style.

This minty fino sherry punch is cooling and light, served by the pitcher. Float some cucumber slices in each glass, spa-water style.

A low-alcohol cocktail made for the modern era, the Ginger Snap will be your go-to easy sipper all summer.

If you’ve only been making coladas with rum, you’re missing out. Swap out the liquor for lighter, more delicate sherry for a new take on the classic cocktail.

This understated holiday punch has a cognac base brightened by a simple lemon syrup and lightly sweet sherry.

This low-ABV sipper made with sherry and sweet vermouth is virtually hangover-proof.