Cocoa

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This cake has all the lightness of its pale vanilla with an extra fillip of chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder added to the batter; the orange glaze brings out the chocolatiness even more. And the self-rising cake flour, which helps the dessert to rise triumphantly high, virtually guarantees a perfect-every time creation. A flavorful sherbet, such as banana or raspberry, makes an ideal accompaniment to this cake.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using stencils to add powdered sugar designs is a great way to dress up the treats.

Recipes for this dessert, also known as chocolate upside-down cake and hot fudge pudding cake, turn up in cookbooks published by women's clubs and church guilds all around the Midwest. The cake separates into layers as it bakes, making its own sauce.

This updated version of France's Christmas classic features orange mousse in a chocolate sponge cake roll and a decadent garnish of chocolate truffles. Kumquats and festive greenery add even more glamour.

Christmas cookie baking starts Thanksgiving weekend for one food editor. Together with her mother, she makes family favorites like the buttery balls below.

Like the cake layers, the frosting is made in two separate batches; each batch yields about eight cups. Ivy is for decoration only; please remove ivy before cutting cakes.

Girl Scout Thin Mints from your kitchen: If you love those cookies, you'll love these. Make an extra batch to give as gifts.

French for "crunch in mouth," a classic croquembouche is made with custard-filled cream puffs coated with caramel and stacked in a tall pyramid shape. Here, these chocolate-cream-filled puff pyramids are scaled down to individual servings and drizzled with a chocolate glaze.

Look for the heart-shaped cake ring at cake and candy supply stores, or call Jane's Cakes and Chocolates at 800-262-7630. You can also use a buttered and floured 8-inch round cake pan with 2-inch-high sides.

Waffles put on their black-tie best in a treat that is both elegant and homey.

The "black bottom" is a layer of superb chocolate pudding — plus a chocolate cookie crust. The pie must be chilled overnight before the topping is added.