My family eats much more grapefruit now that I prepare it in this way.  At first, the task seems daunting, but after one or two tries, you will get the hang of it.  In fact,  it doesn't take me any longer to segment a whole grapefruit or two for my family than it does for me to eat a half grapefruit the traditional way, with a grapefruit spoon.  And you can create some beautiful dishes with grapefruit or oranges cut up in this way.

This is a moist, easy-to-make bread with the distinct flavor of pumpkin.  Kids will gobble it up as it is soft and colorful and a bit sweet.  But not too sweet, and therefore perfect to serve with dinner, as well as breakfast and snack time.  Have it plain or with a spread (try maple butter), or drizzle it with a simple sugar glaze for dessert.  Double the recipe to use a whole 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree and make two loaves!

This is a slightly adapted version of a recipe I got when I attended a summer cooking class when I was in middle school.  Because of this, the instructions are very clear, so that even novices in the kitchen will be successful.  I have made this dish for family and friends many times, always to rave reviews, and I sometimes even make it just for me.  It is definitely best when served and eaten immediately upon removal from the oven, but leftovers surely won't go to waste.

Food Editor's Notes:  This is a fabulous dish for company or a special breakfast or brunch.  It is easy to make and looks very dramatic.  The pancake rises in swells as it bakes and looks gorgeous when it first comes out of the oven.  It will begin to settle as it cools, so serve quickly.  Bake the pancake on a rack in the middle of the oven – any higher and the peaks may hit the upper burners!  I usually place a serving of the pancake on each plate and then spoon some of the apples over it.  It can also be served with berries (delicious with strawberries in syrup!), or just cinnamon and sugar, instead of the apples.  My youngest son likes it with maple syrup! 

This is easy and delicious. I sometimes add any of the following: 1/2 cup frozen or canned corn niblets, thinly sliced avocado, small can of crushed pineapple. This is best if served after being refrigerated for at least a day. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and chopped basil if you like.

Food Editor’s Note: Everyone who tasted this gazpacho loved it. I added some diced avocado to my own serving and enjoyed the contrast in textures between the crunchy vegetables and the smooth avocado. Serve the gazpacho in a large glass bowl or cookie jar for a colorful presentation.

This gazpacho is the best ever, says my son-in-law, David. (And he has a very discriminating palate.) Prepare this cold soup a day or two before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with croutons, diced pepper, or diced cucumber. Gazpacho makes a refreshing summer appetizer. Served with salad and bread sticks, it makes a delicious summer lunch. It keeps well in the refrigerator for many days, if it lasts that long. Enjoy.

This is easy to prepare and have on hand in the refrigerator.  Use it on sandwiches or to accompany grilled fish or chicken.  Serve it cold – with warm fish or chicken it is delicious!  Try this in a Tuna Burger – yummy!

This salad is best prepared when garden tomatoes are at their peak. It can also be used as a topping for bruschetta. Try topping a grilled chicken breast with a few leaves of fresh arugula and some heaping spoonfuls of the salad - it makes a quick, light and summery dinner.

Food Editor’s Note: This is delicious - it was gobbled up by our staff (and my husband had three servings!). If you are using this as a topping for bruschetta, you might want to cut up the tomatoes in smaller pieces.