620 brandy recipes

Tiramisu ("pick me up") is a modern version of a dessert first created in Siena, where it was called zuppa del Duca (the Duke's soup!). From there it migrated to Florence, where it became very popular in the nine- teenth century among the many English people who came to live in the city at that time. And so it was called zuppa inglese--English soup. Only recently, the same dessert with some variation--chiefly the substitution of rich mascarpone cheese for the original custard--has come to be called tiramisu.

A traditional European-style fruit cake -- Although fruitcakes have a bad reputation, this one is *excellent*.

Buttery walnut biscotti inspired by Chez Panisse, laced with Cognac and vanilla. Twice-baked to a golden crunch, these elegant cookies bring California fine dining to your cookie jar.

Nondairy chocolate rum mousse melts chocolate chips with water and rum, then folds in beaten egg whites for an airy four-ingredient dairy-free dessert. Keeps a week in the fridge.

Low-calorie cappuccino shake blended with skim milk, instant coffee, rum extract, and a cinnamon finish. Enjoy it cold from the blender or warmed in the microwave.

German veal cutlets in a quick curry cream sauce with tomato paste, lemon juice, and a splash of cognac. A unique cross-cultural dish ready in 30 minutes.

Old-fashioned mincemeat pie filling made with real ground beef, apples, raisins, cider, and warm baking spices. A blue-ribbon recipe that freezes in batches so you're always ready for pie season.

Rich mincemeat plum pudding with rum, orange, and walnuts using microwave speed for moist holiday desserts ready in 30 minutes instead of hours.

Kalbsschnitzel in Currysosse is German veal cutlets in a creamy curry-lemon sauce with tomato paste, onions, and a splash of cognac. A sophisticated 40-minute dinner.

Homemade pear liqueur infused with ripe Bartletts, vodka, warm spices, and a touch of sugar syrup. A six-week steep yields a fragrant, autumn-perfect cordial for sipping or cocktails.

Surprise your family with this delicious dish that will have everyone talking about your first class cooking skills.

Individual cheesecake cups wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, filled with almond cream cheese, and topped with warm amaretto cherry sauce. Ready in 45 minutes.

Placek swiateczny is a Polish Christmas bread loaded with walnuts, raisins, orange peel, and a splash of vodka. Bake it days ahead for the best flavor.

Kalbsschnitzel in Currysosse: German veal cutlets browned and served in a creamy curry sauce with lemon juice, tomato paste, evaporated milk, and a splash of cognac.

Rich chocolate Cajun pound cake with devil's food mix, chocolate pudding, rum extract, and chocolate chips. Topped with a glossy cocoa glaze. Easy one-bowl recipe, bakes in under an hour.

Roasted garlic soup made from a whole head of garlic baked with rosemary, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Served with Parmesan herb toast for dipping.