Alcohol

Layer upon layer of flavor infuses this stylish yet deeply comforting dish.

Muscovy duck is the leanest of all domesticated duck breeds, yet tender and full-flavored. This technique makes it even leaner by first rendering the fat from the skin (which also makes it deliciously crisp). If you don't find Muscovy duck in stores, order it online from dartangnan.com or grimaud.com.

A great substitute for the truffle butter is an equal amount of plain butter seasoned with a drizzle of truffle oil. Parmesan cheese rinds are available at cheese counters and cheese shops.

Order pork shanks and pig's foot from nimanranch.com or 866-808-0340.

Nothing melts in the mouth like baked bananas. Served with any kind of cream topping, it is a simple, unsurpassed dessert. Adjust the ingredients and flavors to your personal taste.

Reproduce our handsome cover in your home to add a note of distinction to your entertaining during the warm summer evenings. This is "Watermelon" a creation of the Bourbon Institute. The colors and styling are most appropriate for summer entertaining. And the novelty will appeal to your guests.

What to drink: Serve a splurge-worthy aged rum in a snifter, to sip like brandy.

Citrus lovers, pull up a bar stool. Ginger beer creates a lively base for this orange-and-lemon-spiked gin drink.

This sweet-tart cocktail will take you from Florida to Kentucky to Vermont for a sampling of eastern-state offerings.

This classic tomato juice cocktail gets extra flavor from aquavit, a distilled spirit infused with fragrant herbs and spices.

Aperol, a popular Italian spirit, is often served on the rocks.

Though these tarts look and taste as if a French grandmother had slaved over them, the abbreviated cooking time is more suited to an American's pace. The apples, cooked first in syrup, are juicy and intense.

This gorgeous dessert is a not-too-sweet symphony of nectarines and almonds. With its juicy fruit, creamy filling, and intense, slightly sticky glaze, all nestled into a crunchy, nutty crust, it would please any tart lover.

The heady flavor of almond is threaded through this lovely dessert. The combination of Amaretto and warm pear juices creates a fragrant syrup, and a crisp, nutty topping adds welcome contrast to the tender roasted fruit.