In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F, the soft-ball stage, on a candy thermometer.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat the egg yolks with a handheld electric mixer. When the sugar mixture is ready, pour it onto the eggs in a slow stream while beating constantly. Beat until the mixture has cooled and has doubled in volume. Fold in the figs, ginger, citrus peels, cherries, pistachios, cinnamon and cardamom. Carefully fold in the whipped cream, then fold in the kirsch.

Pour the mixture into a 4-cup rectangular ceramic terrine or loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 8 hours or up to 4 days. Run a knife blade around the sides of the mold and invert the mold onto a plate. Soak a kitchen towel with hot water, wring out, place on the bottom of the mold to release the nougat, and lift off the mold. Return to the freezer to refirm. Cut into slices 1/2 inch thick and serve.

In a nonaluminum saucepan, combine the half-and-half and cream. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest of 1 lemon in long strips. Add to the cream mixture. Place over medium heat and bring just to a simmer.

Meanwhile, grate the zest from the remaining 2 lemons. In a food processor, combine the sugar and grated lemon zest and process until well mixed. In a bowl, combine the egg yolks and lemon sugar. Whisk until pale and smooth. Slowly whisk in the hot cream, then return the mixture to the saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture visibly thickens and coats the spoon, about 4 minutes. Do not allow it to boil or it will curdle.

Remove from the heat and stir for 1 minute. Let cool for 15 minutes, then whisk in the crème fraîche. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 8 hours.

Strain the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.To serve, scoop the gelato into serving dishes. Makes about 1 1/2 quarts; serves 12.

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In a blender or food processor, puree the 2 mangoes. You should have about 3 cups. Add the sugar and lime juice and process to combine. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the pineapple.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions until firm, about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve.

To serve, scoop the sorbet into chilled bowls and garnish with the mango slices.

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, 1 cup of the cream and the mint leaves. Cook until bubbles form around the edges of the pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 20 minutes to steep.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, salt and the remaining 1⁄2 cup cream and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk about 1⁄2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture until smooth. Pour the egg mixture back into the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and keeping the custard at a low simmer, until it is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and leaves a clear trail when a finger is drawn through it, 4 to 6 minutes. Do not allow the custard to boil. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the mint with the back of the spoon. Stir in the food colorings.

Place the bowl in a larger bowl partially filled with ice water, stirring occasionally until cool. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

About 1 hour before freezing the ice cream, in the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring until it is melted. Then stir in the oil. Transfer to a small pitcher and let cool to room temperature.

Transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. When nearly frozen and the consistency of thick whipped cream, add the chocolate while the machine is churning or stop the machine temporarily, add the chocolate and restart to mix. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving.