Strawberry

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

A light-textured baked apricot meringue.

Tender shortcakes accented with fresh and candied ginger are delicious complements to the strawberry filling.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

A vacherin includes layers of meringue with a creamy filling; its name derives from its resemblance to the rich, round French and Swiss cheeses of the same name. Begin preparing this lovely dessert at least one day before you plan to serve it. Once assembled, the torte can be frozen for up to four days.

We slightly dried the small strawberries in this recipe so that their excess juice would not affect the crème caramel. We recommend using wild strawberries, as they do not need to be dried before using here. Both the crème caramel and the crust may be made ahead, but, to ensure a crisp crust and shiny caramel, do not invert the crème caramel onto the crust until shortly before serving.

This cake, also called fraisier (French for "strawberry plant"), is usually made with almonds, but pistachios are used in this rendition. The delicate cake is layered with fresh strawberries and a mousselike white chocolate buttercream and then topped with marzipan.

Begin preparing this the day before you plan to serve it to allow the mousse to set.

"As a fan of the television show 'Molto Mario,' " writes Melissa Raney Davidson of Upper Arlington, Ohio, "I was excited to have the opportunity to dine at one of chef Mario Batali's restaurants while I was in New York on business. The dinner I had at Pó in Greenwich Village was wonderful, and the panna cotta dessert was light and smooth — truly one of the best I've ever had." The restaurant is under new ownership now, but they still serve a similar dessert. Here is chef Mario Batali's recipe.

Strawberries, blueberries, nectarines and vanilla ice cream team up in a quick sundae.

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

"The citrus-Champagne granita was the perfect ending to a dinner I had at The Harvest in Pomfret, Connecticut," writes Phyllis A. Nigris of Johnston, Rhode Island. "I love this type of cool, refreshing dessert, so I would be grateful if you could obtain the recipe."

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