Banana

The classic appetizer incorporates sweet and luscious ingredients for a terrific dessert from ObaChine in Beverly Hills.

Have fun with this variation on an old favorite.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try these as appetizers, as a salad (on a bed of greens) or as a light dessert.

Arlene sometimes uses sliced apricots, peaches or whole strawberries instead of plums for an equally delicious topping.

This refreshing mint syrup can flavor any combination of fresh fruits. Leftover syrup is great for sweetening iced tea.

Simple yet sumptuous desserts like this one — where readily available ingredients such as bananas or yams are cooked in sweet coconut milk — are a specialty of Malay cooking. The pudding is traditionally made with pearl sago and palm sugar.

A remarkably easy dessert that doesn't even require an ice cream maker.

Serve the curry with steamed white rice and Indian beer, and make a stop at an Indian restaurant to get some samosas — savory filled pastries — to pass as appetizers, and the flatbread called naan to sop up the curry sauce. For dessert, how about assorted teas and a carrot cake?

Jennifer Martin of Portland, Oregon, writes: "I am not formally trained in cooking but grew up working in food service, from chopping vegetables at food festivals to catering parties for a little extra income. Today I own Epicure Custom Cooking, a gourmet takeout shop and catering company with a few tables for dining. Our specials change weekly and are geared toward what I like to cook and eat. I simply love the business, even with my 12-hour days." Use bananas with some black spots on the skin, a sign that they are really ripe.

Pass a pitcher of cold low-fat or nonfat milk to drizzle over this cereal.

An easy side dish for ham or chicken. The dressing can be made a day ahead.

Purchased sorbet, frozen yogurt and pound cake make this the season's quickest elegant dessert.

Refreshing in looks and taste, these light fruit sorbets served in a colorful raspberry sauce are perfect after a filling seder meal. There will be leftovers of each sorbet to enjoy later.

Don't save shortcakes just for strawberry season. They're also delicious served with other fruits, like this tropical combination.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.