Berry

If you cannot find pluots, a plum-apricot hybrid, you can substitute more plums.

The steeping liquid needs to chill for at least 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

Easy to prepare, this vibrant pink fruit salad can be served on its own or spooned over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite sorbet.

To bake individual pies, use 6 10-ounce ramekins, and reduce cooking time to 20 to 30 minutes.

I’ve long believed that the connecting link in any Thanksgiving dinner is the cranberry relish. It ties all the other flavors together, its juices running in all directions on the plate, blending with the gravy, potatoes, and the dressing, and finally, enlivening the turkey itself with its sweet-and-sour flavor tones. Of course, it has to be good cranberry relish, with coarsely chopped berries, walnuts, and orange juice, not just the canned jelly slices. This bread captures those flavors and can be used to supplement the relish (which always seems to run out before I’ve had my fill). It also makes a beautiful table presentation, with its double-decker braiding, evocative of a traditional celebration challah (page 133).

When the leaves start to change color, prepare this earthy dish of seared chicken breasts topped with a sauce made of blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar and lemon zest.

Easy to make, this topping turns ordinary fat-free vanilla yogurt or ice cream into something special. Instead of using syrup on our Pancakes (page 290), try this as a less-sugary, healthier alternative.

Sweet and spicy, this fruit salsa is a refreshing accompaniment to grilled chicken, pork, fish, or shrimp. It is also great as a quick, healthy snack when served on apple or pear slices or warm whole-wheat pita triangles.

Lemon-scented muffins with plump blueberries really hit the spot for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Use seasonal fruit so you can serve this salad with its mildly sweet and tart dressing year-round.

The raspberries or blueberries peek through the top of this coffee cake, giving a hint of what’s inside.

With this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll be tempted to start a weekend tradition of serving waffles for a special breakfast treat. Double the recipe when you have guests or so you’ll have waffles to freeze for quick breakfasts later on.

A rustic whole-wheat biscuit topping complements the lightly sweetened fruit of this homey dessert.

Attractive, fragrant, and so tasty, these kebabs are a great way to fit more servings of fruit into your diet.

When berries are at their peak, use them to make a gorgeous dessert fit for an emperor—or your family! The crisp wonton wrappers are a low-fat stand-in for the puff pastry typically used to make napoleons.

Terrific all by itself, this lemon cream is even more delicious with a double dose of raspberries, plus gingersnaps and lemon zest.