Fruit Dessert

Begin preparing the cheesecake one day before you plan to serve it.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The classic Passover sponge cake transformed: Here it's layered with raspberry sauce, lemon custard and sliced bananas.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Makes use of the microwave oven.

Made with a fraction of the butter used for most upside-down cakes, this dessert has the flavor and texture of angel food cake — and it tastes so good that nobody will know it has been streamlined.

If you're in a last-minute rush for dessert, use purchased sorbet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Begin preparing this at least a day ahead.

Pears are eaten widely in this part of the country, and Campari-based aperitivi begin many meals. Here the herb-based drink shows up after supper, adding its festive color and distinctive flavor to an easy-to-make pear dessert topped with a sauce incorporating Italy's famous mascarpone cheese. The pears are even better when accompanied by glasses of the Italian dessert wine Malvasia delle Lipari.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional sitting time.