Heart-Healthy Dessert Recipes

First up are our Brownie Bites. Cocoa nibs, which are broken bits of husked cocoa beans, add delicate chocolate flavor and delicious nutty crunch to baked goods. You can find cocoa nibs at upscale supermarkets and gourmet cookware stores. When you make this recipe, don't be alarmed that the batter is very wet—the end result will be moist, tender minicakes.

Cocoa nibs are roasted cocoa beans, broken into small pieces; they add a bittersweet crunch. Look for them on the baking aisle at specialty stores or large supermarkets. Superfine sugar dissolves easily into the meringue for a supple texture. If you can't find superfine sugar, process granulated sugar in a blender for a minute or two. Store meringues in an airtight container for up to one day.

You can use almost any combination of fresh berries in this dessert. Try cherries, blackberries, or a mixture of all three.

This light, refreshing frozen yogurt makes an ideal end to a nice dinner. Serve with biscotti and a garnish of fresh mint sprigs.