Crème de Cassis

An easy sparkling wine cocktail, made with a touch of black currant liqueur.

Here's a fresh take on the classic combination of fruit and cheese. Placing parchment on top of the pears as they are poaching helps keep them moist and submerged in the poaching liquid.

Use red or yellow watermelon (or both) for this summery dessert, and pair it with the best store-bought brownies you can find.

Susan Zubert of Rochester, New York, writes: "Whenever my husband and I get to Maui we make a point of eating at one of our favorite restaurants, David Paul's Lahaina Grill. During our last visit, my husband ordered a fabulous berry pie. He enjoyed it so much that I was concerned he was going to pick up the plate and lick it clean. I would love to have the recipe." Fresh berries and crème de cassis (made with black currants) fill this flavorful pie. The addition of sour cream makes the crust exceptionally tender.

Developed in 1923, the boysenberry is a hybrid of the blackberry, raspberry and loganberry.

There's no easier dessert than fresh fruit. But for something a little more spirited, we topped it with some store-bought lemon curd lightened with yogurt and flavored with crème de cassis. This simple dessert is a snap to prepare.

Popsicle molds are sold at some drugstores and department stores.