Think vegan desserts are out of your reach? Think again. While this recipe is a little time intensive, it feels much easier if you make the creamy chocolate filling a day or two ahead of time. You can also make the cake a day ahead of time, and then simply assemble it and make the ganache the day you'll be serving.

before you proceed with this recipe, understand that dulce de leche is dangerously addictive. It's perfectly sweet and rich -- without being too sweet or too rich. Its name also translates to "milk jam," so it is perfectly acceptable to spread thickly on buttered toast, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. For a vegan variation, replace the milk with coconut milk. This can also be made with goats milk for an added tang, but then you're technically making cajeta.

In the past few days, spring has come alive in Los Angeles. The scent of new gardenias perfume Bel-Air and purple tulip magnolias are to be seen blooming every day around the UCLA campus. This sorbet is a breath of fresh air.

This recipe has a number of steps and may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple as far as homemade marshmallows and melted chocolate go.

Like many families, our Thanksgiving holiday is filled with ritual and custom. We tend to prepare the same dishes, often served in a bowl or on a plate that is a sentimental favorite - Grandma's gravy boat, my Mom's crystal bowl for the cranberries.

A go-to cake for all occasions? With ingredients I always have on hand? This I had to try. I was intrigued by the unusual mixing and baking techniques. The fairly stiff batter needed some coaxing to get it distributed evenly in the pan, but once it was in, it baked up beautifully with a wonderful caramelized exterior and a moist, non-crumbly interior that has just the right amount of sweetness. Cut into chunks, it was a fabulous and sturdy dipper for chocolate fondue; when toasted, it browned without drying out and took cake to a whole new level.

Baklava like you've never seen it before: the puff pastry, walnuts, and honey you're used to are swapped out for a flaky pie crust, almonds, and rose water.

We were going to a friend's house one night and wanted to bring dessert. I was craving cheesecake, but was pinched for time and limited in ingredients(How do I make cheesecake without graham crackers?!!!). So, I scavenged the pantry and chucked some stuff in the 'ol food processor and came up with this ultra yummy cheesecake ( I could scoop the crust and eat it by itself its so good...not kidding)

A spicy, tomato-based soup brimming with tender fish, okra, and bold Creole spices. A southern favorite that's full of depth and regional charm.

A simple yet flavorful baked fish dish with herbs, lemon, and butter. Moist, flaky, and easy to make — it’s fabulous for weeknights or special dinners.

Savory, spicy fish patties blended with Thai herbs, chili, and lime. Crispy outside and tender inside — best served with sweet chili sauce.

Whenever I can get salmon for a good price, I always turn to this simple and delicious recipe. It’s good served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, too.

Shrimp avocado salad mixes tender shellfish with fresh vegetables for a cool, protein-filled lunch or easy light dinner.

This rosemary salmon is a favorite, thanks to the savory herb that adds unbelievable flavor to the fish as it bakes. Cooked with asparagus and red peppers, it's a healthy and quick dinner option that pulls in rave reviews too.

Juicy shrimp, crisp veggies and a silky, spicy sauce? This Thai shrimp stir-fry is a wok-and-roll winner.

Just a few ingredients, including already-cleaned fresh or frozen crabmeat, make these easy crab cakes something you can throw together any day of the week.

I'm a big sushi fan, but I don't always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss.

Fresh ginger and citrus marinate this grilled salmon, infusing it with bright, aromatic flavor.

I went to Charleston a few years ago with my cousin Toni, to write a piece about the restaurants down there. At almost every restaurant we visited, it seemed, Toni ordered the Shrimp and Grits and declared them the best Shrimp and Grits she'd ever had. And we did have some really great versions. Rather than gloppy and too rich and downright soul-annihilating, like a lot of Yankee takes on the dish I've had, these were comforting with distinctive personalities from restaurant to restaurant.I decided to try to capture those flavors in a risotto. And my soul is still intact

I've been on a Bill Granger kick recently. His fresh, Asian-influenced recipes are perfect for the warmer weather that's coming our way. This recipe has been adapted from one of his, but with the method simplified a bit and the flavor boosted by the addition of ginger, cilantro, scallions and chili. This cheat's version of a Vietnamese caramel sauce is by no means traditional, but is much easier, with no boiling sugar to fret over. The sweet sauce also makes this dish a big hit with kids.