Desserts

When planning your rehearsal dinner, take into consideration the theme of the wedding. If you're having a black tie big day, don't host an equally formal rehearsal dinner. Instead throw a laid back luau, festive hoedown, or in the case of my girlfriend, Ronda, a backyard grilled pizza party. Simply put, the rehearsal dinner should not upstage the wedding reception. For this reason, avoid serving cake.

Instead, offer guests a delightfully crisp frosted cookie like these Italian-inspired chocolate hazelnut spiced cookies. They are ideal for a party because they can be made up to four days in advance. Check out the scrumptious recipe when you read more

Have no time to plan an extravagant Mexican meal for Cinco de Mayo? No matter. I've got the perfect menu for a delicious dinner that's easy to put together — complete with a decadent dessert. Ice cream sundaes are ideal because they're fast and guests can help with the assemblage. This recipe expertly employs three simple flavors — ripe strawberries, creamy dulce de leche, and rich Mexican chocolate — to create one stunning dessert. Don't hesitate to get creative, the spicy chocolate sauce is scrumptious slathered over any combination of ice cream and berries. Learn the technique and read more

Since the cake is a huge part of your wedding day, when planning the engagement party, select a dessert that is not cake based and totally different from what you want to serve on the big day.

For Ronda and James's Latin-inspired affair, I'm making caramel-coconut shortbread. Cut into rectangles or squares, it's ideal because no utensils are necessary. Although this dessert has several components, it's far from intimidating and comes together quickly. Get the easy recipe when you, read more

After a rich Seder dinner, serve guests a delicate dessert in the form of cookies. Coconut macaroons are a traditional Passover treat because no leavened flour products are needed to make the chewy, sweet cookies. For those craving chocolate, offer flourless chocolate-walnut cookies. Packed with cocoa and nuts they are delicious and fit friendly. Both of these cookies can be made and plated in advance leaving you plenty of time to participate in the ceremony and catch up with family. For the recipes, read more

On the first Sunday in April, FabSugar and I are hosting a beddazzling party. Although the shindig takes place after lunch, we'll provide our guests a small assortment of nibbles. Everything on the sparkling menu, both sweet and savory, will be prepared and plated before hand.

For dessert we'll offer chocolate champagne truffles dipped in sparkling sugar and fleur de sel caramels. Both treats are bite-sized and delicious. These candies would also be delightful wrapped in a pretty package and presented as a hostess gift. For the recipes, read more

The menu for my girls-only St. Patrick's Day pre-going-out party is mostly finger foods. The girls should be able to mingle and snack at their leisure; therefore, serve a dessert that's individual and portable. These chocolate-mint cookies are perfect!

Everyone is bound to love them because they're like a homemade version of the classic Girl Scout thin mint. The cookies can be made two days in advance, so get started early.

These scrumptious sandwiches would also be a great gift wrapped in green ribbon. To check out the recipe, read more

A lassi is a traditional Indian milk shake made with yogurt instead of milk. While many variations are savory, for my Indian-inspired dinner party, I'll be whipping up a mango lassi. There's no sugar, but honey provides a subtle sweetness to the creamy drink, while lime juice adds a refreshing tartness. For those guests who have an extreme sweet tooth, consider purchasing a couple flavored chocolate bars. Vosges Naga Exotic Candy Bar is inspired by the tribes of Northeast India. The bar is a mixture of deep milk chocolate, sweet Indian curry, and coconut. It makes a deliciously easy finish to the rich meal. To check out the mango lassi recipe, read more

No girls weekend is complete without an indulgent chocolate dessert. Since snow is in the forecast for the Sierra Nevada, a dessert that's served warm is ideal. Chocolate bread pudding is comforting and delicious. The simple ingredients can be found at the local mountain store and the preparation is less complicated than a layer cake. Assemble the pudding before dinner because it needs time to rest before baking. Place in the oven when dinner is finished, so it can cook while you do the dishes. If you can't find creme fraiche, substitute heavy whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream. To look at this rich, luxurious recipe, read more

The ideal dessert for Super Bowl is something that can be made in advance: that way you won't miss a minute of the game! I prefer a deliciously decadent dessert that can be consumed without the aid of a knife and fork. Rich chocolate brownies with a layer of peanut butter frosting and chocolate ganache are so scrumptious they're sinful! Make the cake-like dish the night before the party to allow plenty of time to chill.

If you don't want to serve a chocolaty treat, consider lemon cheesecake squares — another Super Bowl-worthy dessert that's best made ahead of the game. Otherwise, for the brownie recipe, read more