Double Chocolate Brownies

Baked in a pan large enough to feed a crowd, these brownies are just waiting to be topped with a scoop of ice cream and drizzled with cherry and/or chocolate sauce. Set out favourite sundae toppings, such as candies, coconut, freshly cut fruit and toasted nuts, for guests to sprinkle on their servings.

Two-Mushroom Terrine

This recipe combines the common white or brown mushrooms with a generous addition of oyster mushrooms to make an exotic appetizer terrine. Serve in thin slices with crackers at a stand-up event or, for sit-down occasions, serve in thicker slices on lettuce with cherry tomatoes and a dollop of dressing from Fresh Shiitake Mushroom and Avocado Salad.

Fruitcake Shortbread

Fruitcake may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you love it, you truly love it. The rum glaze goes on while the cookies are still warm, so it soaks in and gives them a hint of boozy flavour – just like the real deal. If diced mixed glazed fruit is unavailable, substitute with a combo of diced mixed peel and glac? cherries.

Mary Korman's Icebox Pudding

This old-fashioned chilled dessert has been a favorite for three generations in the family of Mary Korman, one of the seven authors of the highly successful Best of Bridge series (The Best of Bridge Publishing). It's no wonder 17-year-old Mary Katherine chose it as her favorite. "I don't know how to describe it, but it's really good. We have it at Christmas and with big dinners." Creamy with a touch of citrus, it's great garnished with green and red maraschino cherries or fruit such as sliced oranges or strawberries.

George's Skinny Pancakes

In spite of my dad's overwhelming affinity for all things healthy, he's got a fantastic sweet tooth, curbed only by hunks of chocolate cake and my late grandmother's Hungarian skinny pancakes, or palacsinta. He would hover near the stove as she turned out stacks of these airy, milky, thinner-than-crêpes treats, sneaking every other one to slather with jam (plum or cherry) and stuff in his mouth. Sprinkle these with cinnamon sugar and roll them up, or spread them with jam. They can also be enjoyed along with savoury soups or stews, such as paprikash or goulash, to scoop up the juices. – Rheanna Kish

Black Forest Cake with Orange-Flavoured Liqueur

Black Forest Pie

This modern take on crowd-pleasing Black Forest cake is the perfect ending to your holiday meal. Chocolate Christmas trees and a fluffy whipped cream topping transform this pie into a winter wonderland.

Mini Black Forest Cakes

Black Forest Chocolate Pudding

Black Forest Mousse Parfaits

White chocolate adds a twist to this classic dessert – and who can resist when it's served in individual glasses?