Stone Fruit

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.

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 thick puree of fresh peaches is added to the rich custard ice cream base. The ice cream can be made up to three days ahead.

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

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

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

(Batido) This milk shake is a Puerto Rican and Cuban favorite; Palacio de Los Jugos on Flagler Street in Miami specializes in jugos and makes great tropical-fruit batidos. The fruit combinations are endless — try a mixture of strawberry and kiwi or guava and pineapple — and you can even use coconut milk instead of whole and spike with a shot of rum.

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.

This tart is a snap to put together, thanks to purchased puff pastry. The square shape is something different for the summer table.

Peaches are accented with honey in this fabulous home-style dessert. It's delicate, so slide a ten-inch-diameter tart pan bottom or the bottom of a ten-inch-diameter springform pan under the free-form tart to support it and make it easy to transfer.

France's classic flourless chocolate cake is a perennial favorite on dessert lists. Ours has a trendy tropical garnish of mango and crystallized ginger and is served warm.

If you don't have tartlet pans, you can make one large shortcake in an eight-inch-diameter pan and then cut the cake into wedges.

If making more than 2 pies, do not double this recipe but make multiple batches.

GELATO DI PESCA This recipe was sensational when we made it with ripe, flavorful peaches. If your peaches aren't great, try something similar, like nectarines.

Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.