These desserts take advantage of the season's freshest ingredients -- such as rhubarb, strawberries, and apricots -- and they're the perfect ending to a light spring meal.

In this dish, a very simple meringue lattice crust floats atop a flavorful stew of raspberries and rhubarb.

This ice milk is a snap to pull together but must chill before freezing in an ice cream maker; you might want to prepare it up to the chilling point in the morning.

This recipe makes more dough than you need. Shape the dough in a log, wrap it in plastic, and freeze. Slice and bake the cookies as needed.

Plantains aren't meant for eating right out of the peel, but they are transformed into a gently sweet dessert when caramelized. If you can't find plantains, bananas are just as delicious.

As delicious as just-picked strawberries are for dessert, tossing them in a simple vanilla syrup sweetened with fruit juice and a little sugar is a wonderful, quick way to make them special.

If you have never had ginger ice milk before, it will be a revelation! It's slightly sweet, somewhat peppery, and totally refreshing.

For dessert, low-fat ricotta sweetened with honey is surprisingly rich and decadent, and it won't leave you feeling uncomfortably full.

Simple, sublime, and virtually fat-free, this billowy souffle calls for just six ingredients.

This recipe calls for apricots, but peaches, plums, and nectarines roast beautifully, too.

The mellowed acidity of aged balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the sugary sweetness of strawberries. For a special presentation, garnish with wild strawberries.

This late-spring mix of fruits is a light finish to a picnic or barbecue.

In this dessert, ricotta holds the berries in place while providing a wonderfully creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

These drinks make a refreshing and nutritious snack -- especially once you swirl in fresh fruit.

Until peaches are in season, you can use all apricots. Vitamins A and C found in the peaches and apricots take the cake in this sweet after-dinner treat.

To create a healthful version of a Napoleon, replace high-fat puff pastry with layers of thinly sliced pineapple.