By Rose Kennedy

Chocolate Truffle Tart

Desserts have always been popular with fine diners, but today even more people are leaving room for a sweet ending, says Chef Kate Jansen, co-owner of the upscale Willow Restaurant in Arlington, Va. and the creator of an array of decadent signature desserts.

"I've noted an increase of petite dessesrts on fine menus, like my own petite chocolate trio, with each piece a couple of bites," says Jansen, who is also the co-founder of Firehook Bakery, known for fine pastries at nine locations in the Washington, D.C. area. "Even people who don't ordinarily order desserts love that."

Other desserts that seem to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooths? "I serve a layer cake of the day that's one of my most popular desserts," she says, "and I'm also seeing a lot of pudding cakes, usually individual cakes served with warm sauces. And the classic, homey desserts are popular, but a lot of pastry chefs are giving them a sophisticated twist."

So that you can create the same fabulous finales when you entertain at home, Fine Living has cajoled top restaurants, personal chefs and best-selling cookbook author into parting with recipes for 10 downright delicious desserts.

You'll find three-bite savories such as mini blueberry turnovers or Jansen's own lemon tarts, luscious strawberry layer cake as only a "Queen of Soul Food" can bake it and updates on cozy favorites from shortcake to crepes and ice cream. Count on some decadent chocolate choices, too, including a Northwest personal chef's super-simple take on a truffle tart and a 7-layer bar recipe passed down through three generations.

Your next special occasion just got sweeter ... or make today a special occasion with a decadent dessert, just because!

Next: Crepes With Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce