stone fruit

Right now, farmers markets everywhere are heralding the arrival of apricot season, which comes just as warm-weather festivities start to light up, but before the sun and temperatures become unrelenting. At the height of their heyday, these fuzzy orange stone fruits are juicy with an intoxicating floral aroma that simply can't be replicated. But keep in mind that they're only around from May to July. How to shop for and cook with them, when you keep reading.

Nothing is more perfect on a picnic-friendly day than a giant bowl of panzanella, or Italian bread salad. Traditionally, the resourceful Tuscans stretched day-old bread by using torn pieces to soak up the liquid in a tomato, cucumber, onion, and basil salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

But Italian chef Chris Cosentino takes panzanella in a different direction by putting a dessert spin on it with Summer stone fruits and a luscious zabaglione flavored by Moscato d'Asti. The result is a lighter, fresher version of bread pudding. Can't decide between a sweet and savory bread salad? Then make both. For the recipes, read more.

With the overpowering aroma of stone fruit at the farmers market and a particularly warm weekend, I decided it was the ideal time to make one of my favorite summertime obsessions: Popsicles. To keep it simple and showcase their pure deliciousness, I pureed peaches with tart lime juice and refreshing, home-grown pineapple mint. Because the peaches are perfectly ripe and juicy, you hardly need any sugar to sweeten the pops. If you aren't a peach person, consider another in-season fruit, like plums, cherries, or strawberries. Popsicles are irresistible on hot days, and the only way to beat the next heatwave is to keep reading.