Pineapple

One of the best-known and most popular tropical drinks, the mai tai translates perfectly into an irresistible sorbet. For a whimsical presentation, garnish with colorful paper umbrellas and bright orchid flowers or bougainvillea blossoms.

Light cookies are filled with dessert-wine ice cream and fruit. The recipe makes about six cookies, so there's an allowance for breakage or extras for nibbling.

A cored pineapple is used to serve this dessert, so be sure to select one with bright leaves.

Try over frozen yogurt, ice cream, pound cake, or serve with your favorite cookies.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Offer some crusty bread with this lovely main-course salad.

Don't save shortcakes just for strawberry season. They're also delicious served with other fruits, like this tropical combination.

Dorothy Williams of Vancouver, British Columbia, writes: "To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband and I spent a week in Victoria, British Columbia. We particularly enjoyed Abigail's Hotel, where we had some delicious carrot-coconut cupcakes." For a lovely breakfast muffin, omit the cream cheese frosting.

This unique flan — made with pineapple juice rather than milk or cream — comes from Patria in New York. Use the pineapple juice found near the orange juice in supermarket refrigerator sections, and begin making the flan a day ahead.

Be sure to brush the grill clean while it's hot before adding the fruit.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

You can use whatever fruit you have on hand for this quick, pretty dessert.

Serve with white rice to soak up the juices. A bottle of Gewürztraminer would pair nicely with the spiciness of the shrimp.