Summer

We love these tarts made with Italian prune plums—small oval plums that turn up at the market from late August until mid-October. These meaty plums have a rich purple-red color and hold their shape well when baked. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 3 hr

This breakfast treat is from Migis Lodge.

The sauce is reminiscent of that sentimental summertime favorite, the 50/50 Bar.

If you bake the shortbread cookies ahead, these lovely individual tarts, topped with fresh berries and glazed with jelly, can be ready in minutes. An empty eight-ounce can of crushed pineapple makes a convenient cutter for the cookies. Serve some lightly whipped cream on the side, if you like.

If you can't find heirloom tomatoes near you, this salad would also be delicious with any ripe tomato from garden or market.

Serve with: Fresh sugar snap peas, grape tomato salad, and dinner rolls.

The heat in fresh poblano chiles varies considerably; you may want to use more than one in this dish if they are not too hot. The sautéed vegetables can sit at room temperature for several hours before serving.

This is a variation on the classic New Orleans dessert bananas Foster, created by chef Paul Blange at Brennan's Restaurant. To save time, you can use store-bought premium vanilla or butter pecan ice cream instead of homemade. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 5 hr (includes making ice cream)

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 25 min

To prevent the caramelized peaches from sticking to the parchment paper, unmold these flavorful little cakes while they're still warm. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min

This hors d'oeuvre is as simple as it is flavorful, and it's especially good in the summertime, when the best fresh tomatoes are available. This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A drizzle of chipotle-accented cream boosts the flavors in this refreshing summer soup.