Fruit Dessert

The apple-essence syrup is brushed over the cake to infuse it with flavor and make it extra-moist. If you prefer, substitute apple cider for the brandy.

"Moist and pretty in color when blackberry, currant, or some such jam was used, [jam cake] was a favorite with pioneer women, for it kept well," James Beard wrote in his American Cookery (Little Brown, 1972). The only thing more that might be said about jam cake is that it is delicious.

Resist the temptation to use soft-ripe pears in this recipe as they will disintegrate during cooking and produce too much liquid.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time. A fantastic ice-cream sauce.

Use the ripest purple-fleshed plums available to intensify the flavor of this pretty summertime treat.

The name for this flaky pastry comes from the French term for a Venetian blind, which-like the dessert-has slit openings through which one can peek.

An adaptation of a recipe from Nashville's Zola restaurant. Chef-owner Debra Paquette and pastry chef Renée Kasman created this sophisticated dessert.

This condiment goes well with Stilton cheese or smoked meats. It also makes a great dessert when topped with yogurt or crème fraîche. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 1 3/4 hr

Yes—vinegar and berries: The mellow balsamic, sweet strawberries, and rich mascarpone come together beautifully.

To prepare these without an ice cream maker, pour the sherbet base directly into pop molds. If you don't want to use the molds and you have churned the mixture in an ice cream maker, the sherbet can be transferred to a resealable container, then simply scooped into bowls. Begin making this dessert one day ahead.

"Although desserts are not my forte, I wanted to send in this simple yet impressive dessert, which contains only five ingredients," says Debra Anderson of Destin, Florida. "It reminds me of the beautiful pastries displayed in bakery shop windows in France."

June is fresh apricot season, but there are always a few that just won't seem to ripen. This dessert makes good use of those hard apricots.

If you love cheesecake, try this classic French dessert.