Ripe for Dessert

Here is a review of David Lebovitz's new cookbook "Ripe for Dessert." Read all about it and be sure to try the sample recipes, too.

Americans are extremely lucky when it comes to our variety of fresh fruits. At my local grocery store, it is a rare occasion that I can’t find the fruit I desire. Growing-up I could never imagine having watermelon in December, but these days you can. This is attributed to better methods of fruit processing and delivery. Next time you go to the store, spend a little time in the produce department. Don’t head just for the apples and bananas, try something new.

After discovering these bountiful fruits, David Lebovitz’s cookbook “Ripe for Desserts” is the perfect guide for using them. He takes us beyond the experiences of the tastes and textures of uncommon fruit. We get to enjoy them more than just by eating them raw. It’s David’s intuitive knack for combining different flavors that help enhance our palate’s experience.

I really like the recipes in “Ripe for Fruit.” David doesn’t add odd ingredients just to be different. All that is needed can be found in most supermarkets. His directions aren’t overly difficult either. It’s almost as if he’s in the kitchen with you. Another bonus to his book is the logical way in which it is organized.

The chapters of “Ripe for Fruit” are as follows:

Apples, Pears, Quince and Rhubarb

Tropical Fruits (Mangos, papaya, coconut and passion fruit)

Citrus Fruits (Oranges, tangerines, limes, lemons and grapefruits)

Dried Fruits (Dates, prunes, cherries, apricots and cranberries)

Frigs, Grapes, Melon and Pomegranates

Stone Fruits (Peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums)

Berries (Strawberries, boysenberries, blackberries and blueberries)

Now your mission is to spend some time in your local grocery store’s produce department. You’ll realize that there is fruit you’ve never eaten and don’t know what to do with. Next, go out and get a copy of David Lebovitz’s cookbook “Ripe for Fruit”. Peruse the lovely pictures to choose a recipe to go with the new fruit you’ve discovered. It’s time to make your own delightful fruited dessert.

Enjoy and be sure to try the sample recipes listed below.