Peach

A sophisticated dessert that is great on its own, mixed with sweet berries or used as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Elderflowers, with their subtle, honeyed sweetness, are often paired with gooseberries in English cookery. In this particular recipe pink gooseberries are best; the green ones are too tart.

I do not think that pêches de vigne, French red-fleshed peaches, are available in the United States so, for this recipe, use the most ripe, fragrant peaches you can, and go easy on the orange flower water. Slice, drizzle and serve the peaches immediately, so they are still lightly chilled!

A flavorful sauce for grilled lamb or chicken.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A thick puree of fresh peaches is added to the rich custard ice cream base. The ice cream can be made up to three days ahead.

Peaches are accented with honey in this fabulous home-style dessert. It's delicate, so slide a ten-inch-diameter tart pan bottom or the bottom of a ten-inch-diameter springform pan under the free-form tart to support it and make it easy to transfer.

If you don't have tartlet pans, you can make one large shortcake in an eight-inch-diameter pan and then cut the cake into wedges.

If making more than 2 pies, do not double this recipe but make multiple batches.

GELATO DI PESCA This recipe was sensational when we made it with ripe, flavorful peaches. If your peaches aren't great, try something similar, like nectarines.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This beautiful torte can be prepared three days before serving.