Summer

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Start the meal with gazpacho, then offer crusty bread, marinated green and black olives, and sangria with the salad. End with raspberries atop vanilla custards.

It's really worth seeking out the cane syrup for this recipe — it makes for a much more complex-flavored ice cream. Look for cane syrup that is labeled "100 percent pure;" some brands are cut with corn syrup. Cane syrup is available at some southern supermarkets and by mail order for Steen's (800-725-1654). This recipe is an accompaniment for Peaches "Foster" with Cane Syrup Pecan Ice Cream. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 5 hr (includes freezing)

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(PASTA PICCANTE CON POMODORI E RUCOLA) Fresh-tasting, easy to make and perfect for weekday entertaining.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The following recipe produces a coarse-crumbed cake; for ease of slicing, dip you knife in hot water before cutting each serving.

A tangy, refreshing take on summer's classic back-yard side dish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. This southern-style main course is especially good with steamed green beans, some old-fashioned potato salad, sliced tomatoes and buttermilk biscuits. End with lemon sherbet and sugar cookies.

Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Because the beans need to be soaked overnight, start making this a day or two before you plan to serve it.

Cream of coconut is added to the batter and the whipped cream frosting. You can make and chill the cake up to one day ahead.

Frangipane is a classic pastry filling with ground almonds. Here, pistachios are also added. Both the pastry and the filling can be made one day before baking.

This recipe calls for a double dose of rosemary — it's used in the marinade for the lamb and in the aioli that's served with it.