Summer

Lemon curd, lemon-cornmeal shortcakes, blueberry sauce and fresh blueberries are teamed in a winning dessert.

Although raw asparagus might seem unusual to those who have only eaten asparagus cooked, it is delicious. The slightly different flavor is highlighted in the following salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Here's a bright and refreshing salad. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

A new twist on the usual bean dip.

(Chicken Stir-Fry with Holy Basil) Two of the common types of basil used in Thailand are now available in North America. Bai horapha tastes like a good strong Italian sweet basil and can be found in Asian markets and some supermarkets, usually sold as Asian basil or Thai basil. The basil traditionally used in this recipes is bai gaprow, or holy basil which can be harder to find because of its shorter shelf life. Holy basil hasn't much taste when raw, but when cooked it becomes strong and distinctive. Asian basil makes a very good substitute, though it can't be cooked as long or it will lose flavor.

Any leftover compote is great served over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

It's so easy to make these processor-quick biscuits ahead if you like. Then reheat, split and fill them with ice cream and berries just before serving.

Nice with steak, chicken or fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Do-ahead tips make this rendition of the Spanish classic perfect for entertaining.

Hazelnuts are teamed with strawberries and rhubarb in this rustic tart. Vanilla ice cream is a must for serving.

"There are three recipes I like for strawberry jam," says Caroline Bates. "My mother’s long-cooked one may be too much trouble for some people; the sun-cooked version is impractical for city dwellers ('First, find a sunny rooftop....'). But this soft strawberry jam (also my mother’s) is simpler and good, too." Its flavor depends on the berries' being fully sweet, completely ripe yet firm, and with not a trace of white near the stem. Such berries have less pectin than underripe ones, so the jam will be loose. Just spoon it out of a jar and dribble it on biscuits.

Fresh fruit marinated in Scotch and sugar is a lovely topper for the purchased cake.