Cognac

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Prunes and Cognac add moistness and great flavor to this rich chocolate cake.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 30 min

June is fresh apricot season, but there are always a few that just won't seem to ripen. This dessert makes good use of those hard apricots.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

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

This indulgent Cognac-spiked dessert fondue is perfect for a romantic evening by the fire.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

By the seventies, Julia Child, through her books and television shows, had made French food accessible, and the Cuisinart, introduced in 1973, made many of the cuisine’s more complicated techniques quick and simple. As a result, pâté became increasingly popular, and remains so today.

It's hard to believe that something so delectable can be made so quickly. For a showy presentation, add the Cognac to the sauce and heat gently without stirring it in. Ignite with a match and spoon the flaming sauce over the ice cream.

Definitely not Ye Olde English Classic, but very delicious and very contemporary. Using store-bought sponge cake (ask for it at your supermarket bakery) or pound cakes simplifies assembly.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pistachio Blancmanges . Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 hr

The recipe makes about 36 truffles; 12 are used for the tartlets. The extras can be kept frozen for other special occasions. Start this recipe the day before serving the tartlets.