Stone Fruit

Serve with: Warm corn tortillas, Spanish rice, and grilled zucchini. Dessert: Fresh coconut cake from the bakery.

Candied, or crystallized, ginger is peeled fresh ginger root that has been cooked in a sugar syrup and coated with sugar.

Port wine and balsamic vinegar deepen the fresh fruit flavors in the cherry sauce. Be sure to get started at least one day ahead; the panna cotta custards must chill for 24 hours before serving.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cardamom and nutmeg are lovely notes of spice in these super sundaes. Caramel ice cream would be good here, too.

Colossal shrimp make a stunning presentation, but jumbo shrimp will also be pretty.

(Crostata di Albicocche) What could be better than apricots—the best of summer—held in a tender pasta frolla, or sweet pastry? Tarts are a favorite Tuscan dessert, and in fact are so beloved that they're often eaten for breakfast and as snacks, too. If you make this later in the summer, use white peaches if you can find them, and leave the skin on; it will turn a beautiful ruby color when cooked.

Here is a beautiful and inventive salad that combines hearty beets, sweet-tart plums and tangy goat cheese.

Great with grilled chicken, tuna, salmon, swordfish or shrimp.

We particularly liked this sandwich on slipper-shaped ciabatta bread, although any type of soft Italian bread is suitable.

Here's a bright and refreshing salad. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

(COMPOSTA DI CILIEGE E ALBICOCCHE) Delicious with the Rice Pudding Cake or with biscotti or vanilla ice cream.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Our Cuban-style mango mojo could enhance any grilled meat, as could the anise-seed rub. Adding our grilled asparagus and herbed bulgur creates a well-rounded meal, but rice and green beans or broccoli would also work. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 35 min