Mouthing Off

This simple tart's almost-instant crust is made with vanilla wafer cookies and smoked almonds. / © Tina Rupp

Food & Wine's senior recipe developer, Grace Parisi, is a Test Kitchen superstar. In this series, she shares some of her favorite recipes to make right now.

We're in the midst of stone-fruit season, and that means all sorts of delicious things, like this creamy tart. This divine tribute to juicy summer peaches is made with a thin layer of creamy cheesecake then topped with nearly unadulterated peach slices. Look for firm but ripe peaches and always buy more than you think you need—I know my bowl is nearly half empty before I can assemble my tart. SEE RECIPE »

Related: More Peach Recipes
Fruit Pies and Tarts
Make-Ahead Summer Dishes

Bring out the flavors in berries (both in and out of season) by baking them into luscious desserts like this mixed-berry cake.

Food & Wine's senior recipe developer, Grace Parisi, is a Test Kitchen superstar. In this series, she shares some of her favorite recipes to make right now.

A great trick to bring out all the flavor in berries (in and out of season) is to bake them into desserts. I like this  luscious berry-laden spoon cake because it's a bit lighter and less fussy than traditional cobblers that use a pastry crust. The cake is buttery and light yet holds up to all those yummy fruit juices. Sometimes I make a double batch of the batter and put half on the bottom and half on the top, but it's delicious (and easier on the waistline) as is. SEE RECIPE »

Related: More Brilliant Fruit Desserts
Cookout Desserts
Recipes Using Berries

Strawberries become a bracing summer dessert when served over a scoop of lemon sorbet. / © Ryan Liebe

Food & Wine's senior recipe developer, Grace Parisi, is a Test Kitchen superstar. In this series, she shares some of her favorite recipes to make right now.

Strawberries and cream is such a trite, hackneyed combination, but one I will unapologetically never grow tired of. It just needs a little help from some well-conceived ingredients. Here, I've made a quick syrup of mild honey, fresh lime juice and a hint of cardamom, brought it to a boil and poured it over sliced strawberries. Thirty minutes later, cooled and juicy, the compote is poured over tart lemon sorbet and topped with honey-spiked whipped cream. A little bit of lime zest makes this refreshing, quick dessert even brighter. SEE RECIPE »

Related: More Fantastic Strawberry Recipes
F&W's Ultimate Summer Fruit Recipes
Healthy Fruit Desserts

Chilies add subtle heat to this exceptional fruit salad. / © Hallie Burton

Food & Wine's senior recipe developer, Grace Parisi, is a Test Kitchen superstar. In this series, she shares some of her favorite recipes to make right now.

I dare you to bring this sophisticated fruit salad to a picnic! Not sure if the kids will go crazy for it, but the grown-ups certainly will. Especially if you bring icy cold bottles of white rum and seltzer to mix with the fruity juices left in the bottom of the bowl. SEE RECIPE »

Related: More Fantastic Fruit Salads
Healthy Summer Fruit Recipes
Fruit Desserts