Nut

Sambuca, the anise-flavored liqueur often paired with coffee, goes equally well with chocolate — especially in these moist, cake-like, pine-nut-topped brownies.

(Caramel Walnut Fudge Bars)

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)

This sensational caramel filling complements any kind of nut, so mix and match to suit your own taste.

(PASTA PICCANTE CON POMODORI E RUCOLA) Fresh-tasting, easy to make and perfect for weekday entertaining.

This recipe was created to accompany Moroccan Lamb and Quince Stew. Cooking the couscous in 2 pans prevents lumps from forming. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The ice-cream balls are a perfect dessert for small groups.

The following recipe produces a coarse-crumbed cake; for ease of slicing, dip you knife in hot water before cutting each serving.

Couscous, the basis of many North African dishes, is shaped like a grain but is actually a pasta made of semolina wheat. In fact couscous was incorporated into Italian cuisine when Arabs occupied Sicily six centuries ago. And so to flavor the following couscous we've used classic ingredients common to Sicily rather than North Africa-olives, peppers, capers, currants, and pine nuts.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(TORTA DI RISO CON COMPOSTA DI CILIEGE E ALBICOCCHE) This flourless dessert is popular, especially on the Po River plain. The texture is more like that of a rice pudding than that of a cake. The compote is a refreshing partner. For a treat, uncork a semisweet Lambrusco.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling)