Fruit Dessert
Cocoa Meringue Baskets with Nectarines, Berries, and Cream
Instead of using a pastry bag to pipe the meringue for the baskets, just snip a corner off a resealable plastic bag. Begin preparing this one day ahead.
Cantaloupe in Port Jelly
Part of the allure of this very grown-up dessert is its texture, which is softly set, rather than bouncy like Jell-O.
Summer Pudding with Low-Fat Vanilla Custard Sauce
Assemble this modern take on a classic English dessert the day before to allow the juices to be absorbed. Look for the soft ladyfingers in the cookie or specialty foods aisle of the supermarket.
Prosecco Jelly with Nectarines, Blueberries, and Candied Orange Peel
This refreshing and truly sparkling dessert adds glamour to any summer dinner. If you can't find Prosecco, use any fruity sparkling wine, such as Asti Spumante.
Strawberries Romanoff for the '90s
By the end of the 1940s, Americans were starting a love affair with "gourmet" dishes like strawberries Romanoff. Here’s an updated version, flavored with Grand Marnier and vanilla.
Caramelized Figs with Vanilla Ice Cream and Aged Balsamic Vinegar
This dessert hits both sweet and savory notes. Aged balsamic vinegar has a syruplike consistency, so a little drizzle goes a long way.
Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min
Caramelized-Nectarine and Ginger Shortcakes with Sour Cream
Here's a terrific twist on the classic fruit-and-shortcake theme.
Peach-Amaretto Sundaes
Juicy peaches, crushed cookies and vanilla ice cream spiked with brandy and amaretto add up to a perfect summer treat.
Spiced Peaches and Raspberries
This recipe is an accompaniment for Peach Baked Alaskas with Spiced Peaches and Raspberries.
Grilled Mango
This recipe was created to accompany Grilled Citrus Salmon . Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.
Kumquat, Grape, and Kiwifruit Soup with Orange Muscat
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.
Pears Poached in Port and Cranberry Juice with Port Syrup
Lightly sweetened plain low-fat yogurt is a nice complement to the syrup.
Ginger Pear Sauce
The following sauce is a variation on applesauce and can be served on its own or as an accompaniment to meats.
Pink Grapefruit with Cassis
This light, lovely dessert is a refreshing way to end the meal. Partner the fruit with sesame cookies.