Roasted Shallot and Red Pepper Tarts

Instead of small tarts, you could bake this in a 9-inch (23 cm) quiche pan; just add 1 more egg and increase the cream by 1/4 cup (50 mL). Making pastry in a food processor is a breeze but, of course, you can also make it by hand. Serve on a bed of vinaigrette-dressed watercress.

Cheesecake

This recipe is approximately 40 years old. I like to serve it with either canned cherry pie filling or whipping cream (or both).

Hot Mushroom Croustades

Hot Mushroom Croustades

Marzipan for Fruitcake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

My sister-law made this Pumpkin Cheesecake for thanksgiving dinner in 2008 & it's a 5 star dessert. The recipe came from about.com/southernfood.

Salmon Loaf

Serve sliced like a loaf of bread on a tray garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Thimble Cookies

You can substitute jam for the red and green cherries but don't fill the centres until just before serving.

Creamy Chocolate Cookie Dough

This irresistibly soft dough is a tasty base for our four festive cookies. Sour cream is the secret to its creamy texture, which makes it easy to work with.

Milk Chocolate Tart Brûlée with Hazelnut Crust

This tart is made for occasions that call for an elegant chocolate dessert. The crackly caramel topping encloses a smooth milk chocolate filling that beautifully complements the nuts in the pastry.

Ricotta and Tomato Tart