Summer

Offer some homemade breadsticks with the lamb: Just cut a French bread baguette lengthwise into quarters; brush with olive oil that has been mixed with fresh herbs. Grill alongside the lamb until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Serve raspberries and cream with cookies for dessert.

This jam has a good, concentrated flavor: The only liquid comes from the rhubarb and berries interacting with sugar and lemon juice. The quick-to-prepare jam also makes a nice filling for tarts.

Top toast points with this for an appetizer, or serve it as an accompaniment to grilled lamb, fish or chicken.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This impressive frozen dessert has a crisp gingersnap crust, cool mango and lime sorbet filling, and refreshing fruit topping.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 9 hr

Flambéing was all the rage in the '40s, not only for its drama but also for its utility — chafing dishes let the cook go home early and let the host or hostess show off in the dining room. Everyone's heard of cherries Jubilee, but we prefer strawberries set aflame in boozy syrup.

I once heard that the heir to an amaretti factory fortune was kidnapped for ransom. In my imagination I pictured him leaving a trail of amaretti crumbs in the forest to lead the authorities to his rescue. I can't guarantee that this strategy will work if you're kidnapped, but if you leave a trail of crumbs that leads to this crisp, you can be certain a crisp search-and-rescue party will follow.

Maple syrup lends sweetness and chipotle chilies add smoky heat to a terrific glaze for grilled corn on the cob.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The foundation of this recipe is a lemon curd that can be served on its own with, say, scones or toasted brioche, or partnered with fruit. In this layered treat, some of the curd is combined with whipped cream to make the mousse, and some is used on its own. When covering the curd, make sure that the plastic wrap touches the surface to prevent a "skin" from forming on top.

Sophisticated and simple—even more so with the help of a purchased pie crust.

A delectable new take on the old-fashioned summer shortcake.