Cherry

Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits before cutting the cherries in half.

This spicy-sweet salsa makes a delicious accompaniment to grilled pork, chicken, or duck.

Fresh or frozen cherries can be used in this classic French dessert, which combines characteristics of pudding and custard and, in this case, has a nice almond flavor.

A cherry lover's dream: This irresistible dessert has fresh cherries, cherry sauce and cherry ice cream.

Spoon these cherries over ice cream or pound cake, or serve them topped with whipped cream and biscotti.

Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.

Cherry-pitters can be purchased in kitchen-supply and housewares shops. Wear an apron when pitting, but still watch out for the juice.

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.

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

This torte has a crisp top that shatters when cut and a fudgy tart cherry center.

This lovely dessert combines the flavors of cherries jubilee in an easier rendition of the classic recipe.

This beautiful tart features a pastry the Italians call pasta frolla — the texture of the dough is more like cookie dough than traditional French-style pastry. The lattice crust is surprisingly easy to make because it doesn't require weaving the strips. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 2 hr

"My husband and I discovered a restaurant called Abbie Lane when we were on vacation in Newport, Vermont," writes Beth D. Fisher of Middleton, Wisconsin. "He ordered the special—a duck breast with cherry sauce—and really enjoyed it. I would love to make this dish for him at home."