Cherry

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 25 min

Although fresh dark sweet cherries are available in June, we believe they're best eaten out of hand. This cobbler makes great use of frozen cherries. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

I love these preserves because they're both tart and sweet. For the best color, choose true-red sour cherries. Darker varieties — those that resemble Bing cherries — will make darker preserves, which will also be delicious. The cherries are steeped overnight in sugar, which deepens their flavor and helps them to stay plump. Kernels from the cherry pits (tied in a cheesecloth bag) add an almondy note to the preserves. Active time: 2 1/4 hr Start to finish: 1 day (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

Posole is a thick, hearty stew typically containing corn and pork that originated in Jalisco, Mexico. Since I wanted to make this recipe vegetarian anyway, I decided to take it in an entirely new direction. The dried cherries may seem a little odd at first, but they lend a pleasant sweet-tartness to the dish while the pecans take it a bit deeper into the South. In the United States, we call the dried posole "hominy."

This lovely dessert combines the flavors of cherries jubilee in an easier rendition of the classic recipe.

The relish is also a delicious complement to grilled lamb or chicken.

This chutney makes a fine accompaniment to chicken, turkey, and sausage.

This torte has a crisp top that shatters when cut and a fudgy tart cherry center.

A sophisticated finale that's easier than pie. If you have a little extra time, you might make your own pastry shell.

Steamed asparagus and buttered white rice with some grated lemon peel round out the main course. Angel food cake drizzled with chocolate sauce is just right afterward.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Here's an opportunity to enjoy the best summer fruit. Serve this dessert with butter cookies from the bakery.

Begin preparing the dessert a day ahead.

This beautiful tart features a pastry the Italians call pasta frolla — the texture of the dough is more like cookie dough than traditional French-style pastry. The lattice crust is surprisingly easy to make because it doesn't require weaving the strips. Active time: 1 1/2 hr Start to finish: 5 hr

Spoon these cherries over ice cream or pound cake, or serve them topped with whipped cream and biscotti.