Part 3: Unlike other Chinese rice cakes, this version is soft and resonates with roasted sesame. By Carolyn J. Phillips

A former pastry chef in search of dietary iron whips up ispanakli kek, a sweet spinach cake. By Lauren Chattman

You'll never eat store-bought peanut brittle again, once you make your own with quality ingredients. By David Latt

Buttery shortbread is definitely a treat, but its restrained sugar content gives it grown-up appeal. By Kathy Hunt

This butterscotch pudding recipe (with Scotch!) makes a destination dessert without the butter. By Elaine Corn

Homemade chocolate treats make a nice personalized, and tasty, holiday present. By David Latt

Part 3: Coconut sorbet (with a kick) and a ginger-packed pumpkin pie complete a holiday dinner. By Carolyn J. Phillips

Symbolic figures sculpted on Greek breads are designed to protect crops, animals and family. By Diane Kochilas

Yemas, lime-scented, candy-coated milk balls, are part of a food-centric tradition. By Robyn Eckhardt and David Hagerman

Vanilla custard sauce and sherry-spiked sponge cake create a winning holiday dessert. By Martha Rose Shulman

Adapt a classic crust recipe for a perfect gluten-free sweet or savory pie this holiday season. By Wendy Petty

How a treasured coffeecake recipe created holiday drama and, eventually, a Christmas lesson. By Barbara Haber

In Provence, the traditional Christmas Eve dinner features a dazzling array of sweets. By Martha Rose Shulman

Try pie squared: Don’t choose between apple and pumpkin this year; have them both in one pie. By Charles Perry

Old-fashioned German ravioli cookies mix influences from several world cuisines for a holiday classic. By Charles Perry

To achieve the most consistent baked goods, throw out cup measures and embrace the scale. By Martha Rose Shulman

Cake decorating guru Kerry Vincent talks about her almost accidental culinary career. By Ruth Tobias

Homemade food, small portions and something sweet (think little coffee cakes) make the grade. By Lauren Chattman