Annabelle Breakey
Hazelnut Meringues with Kumquat Conserva
Giant, poofy, crunchy meringues studded with toasted nuts, then dolloped with whipped cream and chewy citrus preserves, make this dessert a stunner.
Thayer Allyson Gowdy
Meringue Cups with Strawberries and Meyer Lemon Curd
For an elegant spring dessert, employ egg whites to create crisp, light individual meringues filled with satiny, rich curd.
Recipe: Meringue Cups with Strawberries and Meyer Lemon Curd
Thomas J. Story
Pavlovas with Summer Berry Sauce
These crunchy, delightful meringues were part of the winning menu in Sunset’s One-Block Feast contest.
Recipe: Pavlovas with Summer Berry Sauce
Aya Brackett
Almond Pavlova with Peaches, Cream, and Salted Peach Caramel
When peaches are in season, you owe it to yourself (and whoever is at your table) to try this showstopper. It’s equally good with apricots.
Recipe: Almond Pavlova with Peaches, Cream, and Salted Peach Caramel
Annabelle Breakey
Decadent Chocolate Mousse
Based on a recipe given to us by novelist Isabelle Allende, this chocolate mousse is so rich it’s practically fictitious.
Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Mousse
Annabelle Breakey
Mexican Chocolate Pots de Crème
A classic make-ahead dessert ventures south of the border, with hints of cinnamon and chile.
Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Pots de Crème
Cedric Angeles
Vanilla Pots de Crème with Dark Chocolate and Roasted Almonds
A top L.A. chef created these winsome little coffee cups of vanilla bean custard, capped with a layer of melted dark chocolate.
Recipe: Vanilla Pots de Crème with Dark Chocolate and Roasted Almonds
Annabelle Breakey
Caramelized Orange Pumpkin Flan
A delicately bitter caramel flows over the surface of this dense, delicious chilled custard.
Recipe: Caramelized Orange Pumpkin Flan
Annabelle Breakey
Pumpkin Brûlée Tart
Earthy pumpkin is transformed, Cindarella-like, into a sophisticated tart with a crackly, burnished top.
Recipe: Pumpkin Brûlée Tart
Leigh Beisch
Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with Tres Leches Sauce
Blended eggs and half-and-half transform bread and butternut squash into a custardy, rich delight.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Bread Pudding with Tres Leches Sauce
Annabelle Breakey
Strawberry Clafouti
Somewhere between a soufflé and a cake, this French invention is magnificent with fresh seasonal fruit. It’s a breeze to make, too.
Recipe: Strawberry Clafouti
Peden & Munk
Big Dutch Baby
A German-style pancake cooked in a paella pan, it’s one of the most popular recipes we’ve ever published, and it’s remarkably easy, too.
Recipe: Big Dutch Baby