Citrus

The cake pans, cardboard rounds, and dowels are available at cake and candy supply stores; or call Jane's Cakes and Chocolates at 800-262-7630.

Don't let the unexciting name of the recipe fool you—this ice cream is unusually good. Active time: 40 min Start to finish: 4 hr

Begin making the lime-ginger curd one day before baking the cake. The assembled dessert can be chilled overnight before serving.

Serve with: Steamed carrots and scalloped potatoes. Dessert: A bakery strawberry tart.

You'll want to get this started a day ahead.

A charcoal grill will give the best flavor.

The fruit juices blend with the sugar, spices, and orange-flower water to create a lovely syrup. What to drink: Orange Muscat wines (such as Essencia) would be perfect with this.

All the wonderful flavors and textures of summer berry pie à la mode in an ice cream sundae. For a casual party, offer the individual components buffet style and let guests make their own.

The popular rum-and-mint cocktail from Cuba was the inspiration for this entrée. A last-minute spritz of grilled lime adds even more flavor. Garnish with grilled pineapple slices cut into star shapes, if desired.

Plum fans take note: The jam recipe here is a stand-alone bonus, especially if that tree in the garden is overloaded. (You can triple the jam recipe below for a yield of two generous cups and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.) Pastry novices should also note that this is one napoleon that holds together beautifully when sliced — so go for it.