Peach

(Sweet Black Rice) Because Thais don't really have a dessert tradition, this simple black rice dish with coconut milk is most commonly eaten as a sweet snack or for breakfast — it also, however, makes a wonderful end to a meal. Recently available in North America, black glutinous rice is unpolished, so it is quite chewy, like brown rice. Thais make a more tender dish by combining the black rice with white sticky rice. As the rices soak together before steaming, the white rice takes on color from the black to become a beautiful dark purple.

A quick and easy breakfast treat.

Juicy peaches, crushed cookies and vanilla ice cream spiked with brandy and amaretto add up to a perfect summer treat.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Peach Baked Alaskas with Spiced Peaches and Raspberries.

Yellow or white peaches work equally well.

Apples are traditional, but peaches are divine.

This cobbler is wonderful after the chipotle-honey glazed pork (frankly, it's wonderful after anything).

The topping spreads as it bakes, forming a crisp cookie-like layer.

Also good made with melon or oranges.

Spectacular but easy, thanks to purchased ice cream and sorbet. The meringue is browned in the broiler, like a baked Alaska, just before serving.

Terrific with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt.

The addition of fresh fruit gives these irresistible sundaes seasonal appeal. The rich creamy sauce is a do-ahead.

It's important to use large lettuce leaves (about 6 inches) for this salad, so you may need to buy 2 heads of lettuce in order to get 6 good leaves. Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.