Strawberry

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Begin making this cake one day in advance.

Larry Forgione serves this luscious dessert at An American Place, his renowned New York City restaurant. It's a great treat when local berries are in season.

Here's a nice way to serve up fresh summer fruit to family and friends.

Berries are in top form here; the filling is a cool, tangy crème fraîche sorbet rather than the usual whipped cream.

The recipe calls for a pastry bag, but the meringue disks can also be formed with a spatula. If made ahead, the meringue will soften slightly from contact with the buttercream.

This recipe originally accompanied Chocolate Shortcakes with Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberries and Fudge Sauce.

We've given a range on the amount of sugar in this recipe because some berries are sweeter than others. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 40 min

The addition of fresh fruit gives these irresistible sundaes seasonal appeal. The rich creamy sauce is a do-ahead.

Elegance doesn't come any easier than this treat made with purchased puff pastry.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A bar specialty at Hotel Hana-Maui, in Maui, Hawaii.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Ninety-nine percent of cava—Spanish sparkling wine—is made in Catalonia. So it's natural that the bubbly beverage has found its way into many elegant Catalan desserts. Here it is combined with the luscious flavors and bright colors of strawberries and oranges in a refreshing sorbet.