Chocolate

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An ice-cream-parlor special comes home in this outstanding treat. The peanut brittle has to be cooked to a very high temperature, so be sure to have a bowl of ice water nearby to cool down your fingers in case of any spills.

"One of my favorite restaurants in Providence is Neath's," writes Emily Hughes of Tulsa, Oklahoma. "On my most recent and memorable trip, I had my preferred dessert — chocolate wontons with ginger ice cream. Can you procure this recipe from chef Neath Pal?"

This irresistible pie features a delicious homemade marshmallow topping.

This ice cream treat is based on the classic combination of toasted marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.

While the birth of the Brandy Alexander cocktail may be obscured in the history of mixology, the creation of the like-named pie can be traced to right around December 1933, when Prohibition was repealed. Americans could once again enjoy a legal drink. That apparently inspired some creative cooks to flavor recipes once again with wines and liqueurs, and the forerunner of this pie was born. We've replaced the traditional graham cracker crust with one made of chocolate wafer cookies, and we've added white chocolate to the rich brandy and crème de cacao filling.

Look for chocolate bars that have orange, pistachio, or caramel fillings.

Top this decadent dessert from Pastis in New York with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, if you like.

Ellen Schwab, Bethesda, Md.
"I created this cookie, which combines my two favorite flavors — hazelnut and chocolate — just for this contest."

Mexican chocolate contains cinnamon, sugar, and ground almonds, making this sauce somewhat granular in texture. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe yields an extra cake layer that can be reserved for another time. Wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it for up to a month. Keeping the cake wrapped, defrost it at room temperature; then serve it with berries and whipped cream or ice cream.

For this recipe you will need a pastry bag and a 1/2-inch plain tip.

A chewy brownie with an intense coffee flavor.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Begin preparing this a day before serving.

This sauce hardens into a chewy candy when poured over ice cream. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

These irresistible treats are filled with dried apricots, figs and cherries as well as dates and walnuts, and are topped with a cream cheese frosting.

A dessert worthy of the finest steak houses in Chicago, Denver or New York. White chocolate and milk chocolate filling and a bittersweet chocolate frosting give a sophisticated spin to an American favorite.