Hazelnut Black Pepper Biscotti

Scooped: Ginger Mint and Chocolate-Covered Espresso Bean Gelato

Gelato just might be the most misunderstood form of ice cream in our great, ice cream-lovin' nation. We know it's smooth, intense and delicious but what makes a gelato real gelato? Here are the three elements that differentiate real-deal gelato from the traditional American stuff, and a recipe for a caffeinated twist on mint 'n' chip.

Scooped: Pistachio Gelato with Strawberry Sauce

When I started to run out of things to eat strawberries with—by which I mean I got tired of them sliced with frothed cream—I started poking through my pantry for inspiration. I came across some pistachio butter and knew I need look no further. Pistachio butter (there's a recipe here) is ridiculously nutty and almost unbearably complex, with a lusciousness that puts Nutella to shame.

Stracciatella Gelato (Sweet Cream Chocolate Chip)

Stracciatella gelato is such a simple recipe that it demands the best of the best; seek out high-quality chocolate and milk for great results.

Jeni Britton Bauer's Tuscan Sundae

The flavors here are so complementary and play off each other perfectly: the salt and caramelized sugar in the ice cream, the warm honey and Vin Santo sauce—delicious

Rich and Creamy Tiramisu

Creamy, rich, and bursting with bold coffee flavors, tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts. My version is less eggy than typical recipes, putting the mellow flavor of mascarpone front and center.

Spumoni Ice Cream Terrine

This fun and easy Italian-American ice cream dessert is flavored with chocolate, pistachio, and cherry-almond.

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is one of my favorite desserts, equally delicious as a delicate dish all on its own or as a creamy canvas for seasonal fruits.

Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae Pots

Like the look of this? It's incredibly easy to make - and no bake! A twist on the classic cheesecake, this is perfect for entertaining because all the elements can be made ahead then simply assembled prior

Affogato

Affogato - coffee, dessert and after dinner drink, all rolled into one! Just pour hot espresso over ice cream or gelato plus a shot of frangelico.

Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Lime Panna Cotta

This recipe comes straight from one of my favorite places to eat in Chicago, Birrieria Zaragoza. All they serve is birria, a Mexican goat stew served with fresh thick tortillas, and it's impeccable, moan-worthy. But on my last pilgrimage, chef Jonathan Zaragoza offered me this dessert, the best panna cotta I've ever eaten.