Summer fruits are at their height of flavor this time of year. Put them to use in a few seasonal desserts, including Fresh Strawberries with Lime Sauce.

The summer season delivers an amazing variety of seasonal fruit--plums, melons, grapes, peaches and berries are just a few of the fruits that taste their best at this time of year. The deep, rich colors and special flavors of these fruits pique our senses, but they're also excellent sources of vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium, iron and calcium. Best of all, the abundance of summer fruits can be witnessed with a personal trip to a local farm or fruit stand. All of these fruits make a spectacular finale to any summer meal.

Berry season arrives full-force in June. These fruits are best enjoyed immediately upon purchasing (or if you are visiting a "you-pick" place)--they don't keep very long. To prolong the quality of fresh-picked berries, always store them out of the refrigerator--refrigeration encourages the growth of mold and mildew.

Strawberries make a wonderful treat when served alongside a sweet dipping sauce. And if you're in the mood for a cool drink on a hot afternoon, try the Citrus Ice-Cream Floats.

Fresh Strawberries with Lime Sauce

SERVES 8

1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream

4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

3 teaspoons finely grated lime zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Lime slices, for garnishing

3 cups fresh strawberries

In a bowl, stir together the sour cream, confectioners' sugar, lime zest and juice. Line a serving bowl with the lime slices; spoon in the sour cream mixture.

Wash the strawberries, but do not remove the stems. Drain the strawberries on several layers of paper towels. Once the berries are dry, arrange the berries on a serving platter. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Citrus Ice-Cream Floats

You'll need eight bamboo skewers for threading the citrus slices as a garnish for the drink.

SERVES 8

1 pint lemon sorbet, ice cream, or sherbet

8 lemon and 8 lime wedges, for garnishing

2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled

Place 8 scoops of sorbet, ice cream, or sherbet on a baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap and freeze until you're ready to serve.

Thread the 1 lemon and 1 lime wedge onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat with remaining citrus wedges and bamboo skewers. Set aside.

Pour 3 inches of the soda into a pitcher. Garnish eight serving glasses with the citrus wedges on the bamboo skewers. Place the frozen scoops of ice cream into the pitcher. Add additional soda as necessary to fill the pitcher. Serve.

More Summertime Treats

If you like shortcakes, you'll enjoy this recipe for Pecan-Strawberry Shortcake (pictured at the top of this article).

Seasonal Cooking's Devorah Stone has more great summer drinks for you, including Iced Tea and Lemonade.