Despite the delicate and intricately stamped appearance of pizzelle cookies they are deceptively easy to make. Simply deposit a scoopsworth of batter on the heated plate, close the lid, and a minute later you have a picture perfect pizzelle. The warm cookie can be wrapped around a dowel like a canoli or molded over an inverted custard cup to make a bowl. And of course you can let them harden in a flat position too, to enjoy as is or drizzled with syrup or for use as a giant sandwich cookie.

Crisp, sweet, and decoratively imprinted, pizzelle cookies make a wonderful holiday gift--as does the press itself. To use, simply scoop a spoonful of batter on each round nonstick surface of the press, close and latch the lid, and in only 60 seconds two perfect pizzelle are ready. Roll the warm pizzelle around the included wooden dowel to make cannoli, or shape over an inverted custard cup to make a tiny dessert bowl. Pizzelle harden as they cool, and can be eaten flat like crisp cookies or shaped and filled with chocolate mousse, whipped cream, or fruit. A five-setting switch on the press adjusts the temperature for browning preference, and recipes in the instruction booklet offer variations on flavors. A measuring spoon is included. Red and green lights indicate readiness, and a quick reheat time means three dozen of these four-inch cookies can be cooked in no time. The press measures 9 by 8 by 4 inches, is easily wiped clean, stores upright to save space, and comes with a three-year warranty against defects. --Ann Bieri