Stone Fruit

Try this fresh, no-cook chutney with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or lamb burgers.

Tangy buttermilk custards are a delicious foil for sweet tropical fruit.

This is the best ever use for your microwave! The sweet-sour flavor complements Daniel Boulud's Short Ribs.

"I'm a social worker running my own practice," writes Susan Haskell of Boston, Massachusetts. "In addition, I'm getting a doctorate in social work. So most of my time is spent either working with patients or writing my dissertation. Still, no matter what's on my schedule, nothing can stop me from going into the kitchen. During the week, I make the time to pore over food magazines to find recipes I want to try. On Saturdays, I cook for friends — because next to cooking, sharing the results is my favorite thing to do." Susan says this can also be made with fresh cherries, sliced peaches, nectarines, or pears.

"Inventing desserts is my passion," says Laura Gambrill of Washington, D.C.. "This is a twist on an all-time favorite, bananas Foster. The mango, crystallized ginger and pineapple complement the banana and rum nicely — and so does the toasted coconut that I sprinkle on top."

Katie occasionally substitutes a couple of Fuyu persimmons for the mango. The pecans are nice on their own as a snack.

Fresh cherries take center stage in this version of an old favorite.

Because the more traditional dark fruitcakes aren't really to her liking, senior editor Sarah Belk created this one, filled with her favorite nuts and dried fruits. To make these gifts even more festive, she suggest decorating the glazed cakes with additional dried fruits and nuts.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

You won't miss butter and syrup when this honey-sweetened fruit treat tops the pancakes. It's also delicious with waffles, French toast or on its own.

A classic Austrian tart gets an American update with this cranberry and apricot filling.