Cinnamon

Resist the urge to chop the nuts in a food processor — it makes them release more oil, resulting in a heavier baklava. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 12 hr (includes chilling and standing)

Tender, moist and quick to put together.

These spice cookies are reminiscent of those our associate food editor enjoys on frequent visits to Norway. Cut them into different shapes and enjoy their crisp texture.

Poaching time for pears will vary, depending on their firmness.

Inspired by Middle Eastern cooking.

A colorful combination of oranges, berries and kiwis teams up with crunchy biscotti for a delicious and wholesome finale.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

An easy and scrumptious twist on the classic rice pudding from Habitation Lagrange in Martinique.

Here's a great drink that is guaranteed to take the chill off a winter day. It's also quite nice with an added splash of brandy or Kahlúa.

Sopaipillas are crisp fried breads traditionally topped with honey; cinnamon and sugar are sometimes added to make a great dessert. In this recipe, fried tortillas approximate the texture of true sopaipillas.

Rather than being crisp, these heirloom cookies are tender and cake-like.

The most delectable cinnamon rolls Karen Cabral of San Antonio ever tasted are those at the Pecan St. Bakery & Cafe in Blanco, Texas.

A nice accompaniment to grilled sea bass, scallops or shrimp.

"I was 11 years old when I started receiving Gourmet magazine," says Kristi Tursi of Essex Junction, Vermont. "I am now 15, and I’m happy to say that I've tried at least one recipe from each issue. I love to experiment with new combinations of unusual foods. Maybe that is because I enjoy science and chemistry, or perhaps I just love eating delicious yummies! But this year, on my mom's birthday, I tried something cool: cherry chocolate chippers. These cookies are not as dramatic as my chicken mango tango, but they're quite a treat. Everyone at the party liked them so much that I spent part of the evening jotting down the recipe. So I decided to share it with everyone ... by way of Gourmet."