1 refrigerated pie crust (half of 15-ounce package), room temperature
2 cups (packed) dark brown sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Scotch whisky
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups pecan halves

Whipped cream
spirited, brown, sugar

1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms*

3 1-pound containers strawberries, hulled, sliced
Crème fraîche or sour cream
strawberries, lemon, sugar

Poached apples
3 cups water
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup sugar
4 3x1/2-inch strips orange peel
4 3x1/2-inch strips lemon peel
2 whole star anise*
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
3 medium apples (such as Braeburn or Golden Delicious), peeled, halved, cored

French toast
6 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
31/2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup plus 8 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 4x4x1-inch slices egg bread

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
sugar, crusted, french