Custard

(BONET) This Piedmont specialty is made with two of the region's best-known products: chocolate and amaretti cookies. Begin preparing the dessert a day before serving. A slightly sparkling, floral and fruity Moscato d'Asti would complement it beautifully.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 4 hr (includes cooling)

Ground cardamom is worth seeking out for this recipe — it adds another dimension to the dessert. The spice can be found at many supermarkets, Middle Eastern and Indian markets, and specialty foods shops. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Serve this perfect fall dessert after a dinner of roast pork tenderloin.

This is an elegant dessert, light but filled with berry flavor — and it's much easier to make than it looks. The generous crust is made from store-bought shortbread, so rich in butter there's no need to add more. We used Walkers, a pure-butter shortbread from Scotland that's widely available in supermarkets.

These pots de crème won raves from our food editors for their wonderful butterscotch flavor and creamy texture. The combination of muscovado and Demerara sugars gives the custard its deep flavor.

(Coffee Custards)

Rich, refreshing and easy — the perfect finale to an elegant summer dinner.