Summer

If you would rather use swordfish or sea bass, by all means do. Whatever the choice, grill some zucchini that have been quartered lengthwise, and toss egg noodles with butter and fresh black pepper. Then finish the meal with sliced strawberries topped with sour cream and brown sugar. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This indulgence is simple to do and can be prepared a day ahead.

Robust flavors of blue cheese and walnuts go a long way in this flavored butter. (Any leftover butter is good on baked potatoes, or spread it on baguette rounds.)

This cool salsa is the ideal accompaniment for grilled shrimp.

I love many versions of baked stuffed tomatoes, but the simple recipe of Torquato Innocenti, who sells tomatoes in Florence's Piazza Santo Spirito market, is my favorite. Nothing more than garlic, basil or parsley, and "good oil" fills the tomatoes.

Feta cheese, cucumber, tomato and fresh dell enliven this simple salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This fruit ice is flavored with cinnamon and allspice. It is garnished with slices of peach, nectarine and plum; other seasonal fruit would work, too. Follow with iced espresso.

In this recipe we call for a 10 1/2- by 7- by 1-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable fluted rim; you could instead use a 10- by 1-inch round tart pan with a removable rim. The cornmeal makes a tender, delicate crust.

Constant basting with this lively sauce ensures moist chops and plenty of flavor. Warm potato salad with tarragon and white wine is the natural accompaniment.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Strawberries and whipped cream are sandwiched between orange-scented butter cookies in this pretty dessert.

Here's a great combination of colors and flavors that add up to a pretty and refreshing seasonal finale.

Brush this peppery sauce onto beef, chicken or pork during the last 15 minutes of grilling. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The savory butter is also good on potatoes, rice, pasta or bread.