I remember as a child thinking a chocolate mousse was an animal!! As you know, it’s not, but a decadent and delicious classic dessert is a favorite of children and adults alike. This is perfect for entertaining, since it can be made in advance. The dark chocolate mousse is creamy, with just a hint of orange Cointreau. It’s simply sublime. I love the combination of orange, that fresh pop of citrus, which compliments the richness of the chocolate so perfectly. It’s one of my favorite combinations!

I call this cake a grownup cake. Not because it is not fun and childlike, but because the flavors are a little bit more subtle and mature like a grown up. HA!! No, seriously, this is a knock out cake! It’s dense, with just a hint of sweetness to it. The flavor of orange comes shining through, especially when it’s served with some beautifully sliced oranges that we toss with a little Cointreau, just to make the cake extra orangey. It is the perfect way to end a meal, but is also a way to start your day accompanied with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up with tea. No matter which way you slice it, this is a cake to add to your baking repertoire.

Nothing says a holiday party like a good punch! This one will be your go-to party starter, because it’s not too sugary and pairs beautifully with the menu. If you prefer, you could use champagne, but I use a really good sparkling wine. Slightly sweet and effervescent, the festive bubbles and rich, red pomegranate get you right into the holiday spirit!

Panna Cotta translates from Italian to mean “cooked cream”. It is a molded cold custard that is just sublime. The first time I made it, my young son said, “It tastes like ice cream but doesn’t melt”. And he was right! It is so simple to make and comes together in just a few minutes. The hard part is waiting for it to set, about 5 hours. We are serving it today with some fresh summer fruit that we toss with a little sugar and liquor to bring out more of that great summer flavor. It a simple dish that is so elegant and sure to be a great way to end your summer meal

“Semifreddo” translates into “slightly soft”. Semifreddos can be made with a variety of ingredients that span a wide range of flavor profiles. In this menu, we are making an Orange Pistachio Semifreddo. When you cut into it, there’s a soft, pillowy texture that is just dreamy. The combination of orange and Cointreau adds a sweet tartness. The pistachios add the perfect blend of crunchy saltiness that completely balances the pasta and fish courses, and is the perfect way to end a meal.