Brandy

Lobster and truffle oil give this dish the true stamp of indulgence.

Gastronomic lore tells us that the forerunner of this famous lobster dish was actually created at Delmonico's, the well-known New York City restaurant, during its heyday in the latter part of the last century. Mr. Ben Wenburg (or Wenberg, as some believe), a Delmonico's habitué during this period, is said to have devised a dish made with seafood, cream, and egg yolks. It was called Wenburg on the menu until some time later when the epicurean Mr. Wenburg became involved in a dispute with the management. Thereafter, the restaurant renamed the offering seafood "Newburg," and a classic was born.

White, black, green and pink peppercorns add wonderful flavor to this very special prime rib. If possible, search out a butcher who carries dry-aged beef-it's more tender, flavorful and juicy than the non-aged variety. A full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon or French Bordeaux is the perfect wine to serve. As for vegetables, mix butter and tarragon with cooked baby carrots and green beans for a delicious accompaniment.

Pork, always a favorite in the Midwest and the South, gained popularity early in the century. Immigrants from pork-loving countries such as Germany and Poland were crowding the cities and finding that fresh pork, a luxury back home, was abundant and affordable. Recipes of the time called for pan-frying chops, covering them with apples and baking them for an hour or so. But that would leave today’s pork, which is less fatty, very dry. Here, brining is the trick for making pork chops flavorful and juicy.

Brandy, apples and cream add a taste of France's Normandy region to this entrée.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

This cake, also called fraisier (French for "strawberry plant"), is usually made with almonds, but pistachios are used in this rendition. The delicate cake is layered with fresh strawberries and a mousselike white chocolate buttercream and then topped with marzipan.

In this dish, the richness of the venison is balanced by the sweet-tart fruit compote.

A delicious entrée from L'Apogée.

This recipe originally accompanied Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate-Raspberry Frosting.

The classic almond mixture known as frangipane fills an almond crust. Sweet plums and a brandied glaze top it off.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Impressive—and a breeze to put together. The bombe is just a layering of purchased ice cream, sorbet and cookies, and it's topped off with a store-bought fudge sauce spruced up with chocolate chips and brandy. For Valentine's Day, dress up the dessert even more with chocolate curls and maraschino cherries. Begin preparing this a day ahead.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You would never guess that this dense and creamy dessert is nondairy and kosher for Passover. Since the recipe contains egg yolks, this is not a sorbet in the strict sense, but the yolks do provide a rich texture.