Citrus

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. French fries and purchased ratatouille are perfect with the steaks, and almond cake with fruit compote completes the menu.

During a summer trip to Santa Fe, Joan Coulliette of Sandy, Utah, had a wonderful baked apple pancake for breakfast at Atalaya restaurant. The restaurant has closed, but we were able to get the recipe for the pancakes.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This refreshing salad is delicious and ideal as a snack or light dessert in the heat of summer. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Whenever we're in the area, my husband and I stop at the Thompson House Eatery in Jackson, New Hampshire," says Sandra L. Michaud of Newtown, Connecticut. "I'm crazy about the freshly baked lemon bread that sometimes comes with meals there." This sweet quick bread would make a nice breakfast treat, too.

Serve the dressing on shrimp salad, chicken salad or mixed greens; add diced jicama and fresh cilantro leaves to the salad for even more flavor.

Roasting the potatoes with the lamb gives them a wonderfully rich, meaty flavor.

Serve atop mashed potatoes or, for a nice twist, on a piece of toasted garlic bread.

There's plenty of zing in this refreshing summer salad, which also features red onion and peppery watercress.

"Whether it's served warm or cool, my mother's apple cake is the best I’ve ever tasted," says Amanda Denton of Barre, Vermont. "It's moist on the inside and has a beautifully browned crust. This recipe ranks right up there with love and support as the great things my mother gave me."

"A friend of mine served herbed potatoes at a dinner party and inspired me to come up with this recipe," says Brenda Medvid of Reston, Virginia. "My version gets a tangy kick from the lemon juice, and conveniently, it uses only dried herbs. These potatoes make a quick side dish that suits my taste for home-cooked meals."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Cool and creamy, this custard combined with fresh berries makes a perfect dessert for a warm June day.

Grand Marnier and grated orange peel add a touch of elegance to this simple indulgence. Prepare the fondue just before serving, and keep it warm while dipping so that it will remain smooth. Use a traditional fondue pot, or place the pan of the fondue on an electric hot plate. Either way, be sure the heat is low; too much heat will cause the chocolate to burn. Angel food cake, pound cake and a variety of fresh and dried fruits make great accompaniments.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This simple sauce enhances the natural sweetness in foods—try it on steamed cauliflower or asparagus or with sautéed fish.

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

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.