Join our cake tradition

These desserts are elegant to look at and taste even better.

Every year, readers call to tell us how much they liked our Christmas cakes. You'd be surprised at how many folks have made it a tradition to prepare one-or all-of these delectable confections every holiday to share with family and friends. This year, I'm confident the reports will be glowing. After all, how can you go wrong with cakes developed from classic holiday favorites such as ambrosia, Italian cream cake, and orange-spiced tea? Though they look elaborate, just take them step by simple step to success.

Plan to tackle some parts of the desserts a couple of days ahead. The pastry strips surrounding the cheesecake, for example, can be made two days ahead and kept in an airtight container. The only hard part will be waiting to sample the finished products.

DONNA FLORIO AND ANDRIA HURST

AMBROSIA CHEESECAKE

MAKES 12 SERVINGS

PREP: 30 MIN.; BAKE: 1 HR., 8 MIN;

MAKES ABOUT 4 DOZEN

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

MAKES 12 TO 16 SERVINGS

PREP: 45 MIN., BAKE: 25 MIN, COOL: 10 MIN.

Fresh Orange Curd:

MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

PREP: 20 MIN. COOK 10 MIN. CHILL: RS.

Pecan-Cream Cheese Frosting:

MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved