While there are several perfect pie crusts out there, some even refer to their receipt as ‘Ultimate,’ I keep coming back to this tried and true recipe year after year. A combination of butter and shortening, the flavor is perfect while the shortening gives you the structure to create fantastic designs if you wish. Make with a food processor, mixing bowl, or pastry cutter in a bowl, this pie crust aims to please every baker.

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, the key is having something that you can prepare ahead of time. Or at the very least sneak in between that green bean casserole that never goes out of style and the Pillsbury crescent rolls that seem to go faster than the turkey. Galettes are a fun take on fruit pie, require a lot less labor, and have a dough that is completely forgiving.

I know what you’re thinking - Berry Cobbler? This is a summer dessert. Insert memories of laying by the pool, watermelon, swatting flies away, and that corn on the cob that you’re still not quite sure how to eat politely in the company of others.

First, cast any preconceived notions aside about this versatile dessert. Berries are the perfect compliment to a meal with strong savory spices or hearty comfort foods. Plus, if pie making isn’t your thing, this is a great way to combine pie flavors such as cherries or blueberries into an effortless sweet compliment to your Thanksgiving meal.

I know you’re looking at the Ultimate Pumpkin Log photo thinking, ‘Yeah, right. I’ll never make one that looks like that.’ While admittedly the degree of difficulty on the dismount while sticking the landing on this recipe is more challenging than others, it’s a fantastic way to work on your baking skills. When you get it right, it’s a showstopper at your Thanksgiving or autumn brunch table.

There is only one person to thank for this recipe - my fabulous friend Linda who wrote the Amazon best seller Meringue. She pitched it to me as a flourless chocolate cake recipe that you can make in one bowl. Me being the overachieving Italian that I am of course found a way to make this using three or four bowls - add on at least a few spoons as spatulas as well. However, Linda is correct. You can make this entire cake with one bowl and only a microwave.

While I originally paired this caramel sauce recipe with apple cake, it can be used for a number of desserts including ice cream, galettes, flourless chocolate cake, or eating it right out of the jar is also acceptable.

The most wonderful thing about fall are the delicious recipes that come out of the oven and bring waft of cinnamon, ginger and other spices into the air. This apple cake is a perfect breakfast sweet in the morning or a beautiful dessert to share with brunch. It’s also enjoyable with your warm tea as Hallmark holiday movies gear up. Easy prep and a long bake time make it a ‘set it and forget it’ recipe that will look like you spent hours preparing it.