Fruit

These traditional almond cookies hail from Tuscany; their texture is chewy, similar to macaroons.

Try this delicious variation on the traditional vanilla-and-espresso dessert.

Avocado—for dessert?!? Well, it is a fruit, after all.

This salty, sweet cantaloupe jam will put your go-to strawberry jam to shame.

Try this mayonnaise on a BLT, egg salad sandwich, or as a dip for crunchy summer veggies.

Marinating and searing the watermelon concentrates its flavor and primes it for this savory treatment.

This herb-infused rocks drink is fresh, cooling, and thirst-quenching, perfect for day drinking.

During summer months, find zucchini blossoms at specialty grocers or at farmers’ markets. Halved scallions can be used instead, and small shrimp can stand in for the squid.

This version of our delicious vanilla-buttermilk cake is doubled up to make a pretty layer cake perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion.

This tender buttermilk cake with rich orange cream-cheese frosting is sure to become your go-to for any festive occasion.

Wow! This flavor-packed limeade is a real thirst quencher during the dog days of summer, when watermelon is at its best. Should a festive occasion arise, it also makes a wonderful margarita mixer when paired with premium white tequila.

Sangria often veers too far on the side of sugary. Grilled stone fruit adds a natural caramelized sweetness to the drink, and lends a smoky char to tame it down.

If you were a sporty type at school, you may remember those little orange slices that were given out at half time during matches. A momentary respite from jumping and leaping in the air on a cold windy netball court in the depths of winter seems to be a vivid memory from my early teenage years. Naturally, giving you a recipe for orange slices may have proven uninspiring so, with a bit of cooking magic, I would like to introduce you to my watermelon Jell-O shots… A happy walk down memory lane with a very modern twist. For an alcoholic version, replace 1/2 cup of the water with some vodka.

Load up on green tea antioxidants, hydrate with electrolyte-filled coconut water, and cool off with cucumber, lime, and gut-soothing aloe vera.

I know, I know. This sounds crazy, right? Well, you just have to trust me on this one. The cantaloupe breaks down to form the backbone of a sweet, creamy sauce scented with pancetta and marjoram. A sleeper but a keeper, for sure.