Nut

Dark brown sugar gives these buttery treats an extra-rich taste.

Pluots are a great stand-in for true plums in this recipe.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 3 3/4 hr

Sabrina Henderson of Gardena, California, writes: "After 17 years of making dinner for my family, I don't cook as much as I used to. These days what I really enjoy doing is baking. Not only is it more leisurely, but people enjoy the results so much. About twice a month my husband takes some of my homemade cookies to his colleagues who always ask when I'm going to send something their way. The staff in the doctor's office where I work will often ask me the same thing. My zucchini bread is a special favorite. I joke with people and tell them I'll bring it in, but only if they behave."

To help this crisp live up to its name, we devised a little trick: Squeeze the topping by handfuls to compact it, then crumble chunks of it over the filling. The chunks rest on top of the fruit instead of sinking into it.

Pork ribs become satays with built-in "skewers." Great as party appetizers, the ribs can be made a day ahead, then grilled or broiled just before you serve them.

Because these brownies are thinner than most, they bake quickly.

The vinegar in this gravy gives it an appealing tartness. Round off the meal with cranberry sauce and steamed broccoli. Watch how to prepare and carve your bird with our streaming video demonstration.

Don't let these cool — they're best served straight from the oven.

While this cake tastes delicious on its own, enhance it with dollops of whipped cream or nondairy topping and a few orange segments.

"Last summer we spent a week in Paso Robles, California, and had an excellent dinner at Bistro Laurent," say Rusty and Stacey Willi of Santa Rosa, California. "To our delight, dessert—a warm raspberry clafouti topped with vanilla ice cream—turned out to be one of our favorite vacation memories." This dessert has a more cake-like texture than a traditional clafouti. The version here is even better topped with ice cream.

This recipe involves tempering, in which the chocolate is melted — and if necessary, cooled — to a temperature of just below body heat. Tempering chocolate helps to ensure that it will be glossy and stay firm at room temperature.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Maple Walnut Bûche de Nöel . Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Top this with dollops of chilled whipped cream or scoops of vanilla ice cream.

These delicious waffles will propel you guilt-free through the morning.