Nectarine

Since just about any combination of fruits will work for the topping, this recipe can be used all year long.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A sweet summer treat that comes together quickly (nectarines rarely need peeling). You may want to serve ice cream alongside, but some softly whipped cream is also delicious.

A finale that is great on its own or served with some whipped cream that has been accented with brown sugar.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

When using an outdoor grill, add a handful of fresh charcoal to the embers after serving the main course; when it's time to cook the nectarines, the fire should be at the right temperature. Remember to brush the grill clean before adding the fruit. Sour cream is a good substitute for the crème fraîche.

Using purchased puff pastry as a crust gets these simple and sensational tarts ready in no time.

This summer pudding yields 6 servings, allowing second helpings for a party of 4 or a breakfast treat for the next morning. In addition to an 8-inch square glass baking dish, you will also need another one, glass or metal, of the same size.

The flavors of this salad go well with honey-glazed grilled chicken or pork chops.

This lovely finale is from Dwayne Fortier of La Reserve in Houston. Begin preparing it well before serving, as the mousse needs to freeze for at least six hours.

This is best eaten the day it's made — left to sit longer, the cake can get a bit soggy from the fruit.

This fruit ice is flavored with cinnamon and allspice. It is garnished with slices of peach, nectarine and plum; other seasonal fruit would work, too. Follow with iced espresso.

If you're making this entire menu, we recommend assembling the cobbler and putting it into the oven just before you begin grilling the steak. That way, the cobbler will be cool enough to serve after you have finished eating the main course and cleared the table.

This lovely dessert must be chilled at least two hours (or up to one day) before serving.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

We admit we've never been big clafouti fans, but this recipe won us over. It's the lightest version of the dish we've ever had. In the fall and winter, innkeepers Bob and Caroline Taylor like to make this dessert with pears, flavoring it with powdered ginger.