Fruit Dessert

Greece On many Greek islands, figs are usually poached in a locally produced dessert wine. The combination of red wine, citrus, and spices used here yields equally sweet results. The honey-yogurt cream is similar to an Italian panna cotta.

Using purchased mixed dried-fruit bits for the filling makes this comforting dessert a snap to prepare.

Yellow or white peaches work equally well.

Dried cherries from Michigan add their bright sweetness to winter baking.

Minus the ice cream, this delicate pudding makes a wonderfully indulgent breakfast.

Apples are traditional, but peaches are divine.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A simple and festive way to serve fresh bananas for dessert. Pipe extra meringue onto foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 250°F. until dry for some low-fat cookies.

Before grilling the pineapple, be sure to preheat your grill rack and then clean it with a metal brush to remove any bits of previously grilled food, which can give an off flavor to the pineapple. This recipe makes great use of the Börner V-slicer*. Other adjustable-blade slicers also work well, but if you don't have one, you can use a sharp 10-inch chef's knife. The smooth-sided tart in our photo was made in a springform pan, but since the crust is very delicate, it's much easier and less likely to break when made in a round tart pan with a removable bottom as called for in the recipe below. Active time: 50 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Look for ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. To evoke the tropics even more, serve the fruit with coconut macaroons or macadamia nut cookies.