Mango

If desired, the smoothie can be strained to remove the berry seeds, but the seeds contain lots of beneficial dietary fiber.

Brunch drinks get updated with this take on the traditional duo of orange juice and champagne. Note that freshly squeezed orange juice is not the best choice here, as its intense taste can overwhelm the other juices. Topping the drink with a boysenberry "floater" creates a vibrant color contrast.

Blended drinks called batidas (or licuados) are served at fruit bars throughout Latin America. Milk or freshly squeezed orange juice is used as the base, then fruit is added and the mixture is blended to the consistency of a thick shake. Batidas are often enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, but they're also delicious as cocktails later in the day. We tried various kinds of sugar to rim the glasses — from coarse crystals of sanding sugar to small grains of granulated sugar — and the only difference is in the appearance.

Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

A gastrique is a mixture of caramelized sugar (or, in this case, sweet preserves) and vinegar often used in savory dishes made with fruit.

Offer some butter cookies alongside this dessert, which makes a lovely presentation.

Tangy buttermilk custards are a delicious foil for sweet tropical fruit.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Inventing desserts is my passion," says Laura Gambrill of Washington, D.C.. "This is a twist on an all-time favorite, bananas Foster. The mango, crystallized ginger and pineapple complement the banana and rum nicely — and so does the toasted coconut that I sprinkle on top."

Katie occasionally substitutes a couple of Fuyu persimmons for the mango. The pecans are nice on their own as a snack.

A luscious caramel-lime sauce makes this dessert a real star.

This Martini from Red Light is blended with ice, which makes it similar in texture to a daiquiri. The bartender garnishes it with skewered berries for a nice touch.

Our Cuban-style mango mojo could enhance any grilled meat, as could the anise-seed rub. Adding our grilled asparagus and herbed bulgur creates a well-rounded meal, but rice and green beans or broccoli would also work. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 35 min