Banana

Try these as appetizers, as a salad (on a bed of greens) or as a light dessert.

From Goldie's by the Bridge, North Tarrytown, New York.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Refreshing in looks and taste, these light fruit sorbets served in a colorful raspberry sauce are perfect after a filling seder meal. There will be leftovers of each sorbet to enjoy later.

A remarkably easy dessert that doesn't even require an ice cream maker.

This scrumptious pie is a snap to put together. It doesn't require any baking and has only a few ingredients, two of which are a purchased crust and a prepared topping.

This refreshing mint syrup can flavor any combination of fresh fruits. Leftover syrup is great for sweetening iced tea.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The upside-down cake—so popular in the fifties and sixties—has been making a come-back lately. This version has a banana, walnut and maple topping, and tender cake.

An easy side dish for ham or chicken. The dressing can be made a day ahead.

A real winner: Delicate "purses" of phyllo pastry hold a banana and hazelnut filling. They're served with white chocolate sauce and a crunchy hazelnut crumble.

The recipe for the coconut pudding is adapted from Mexican Light Cooking by Santa Fe-based chef Kathi Long.

"Banoffi," the Royal Hotel's name for this luscious pie, was coined by combining the words banana and toffee.