What could make a long day sitting by the pool or an afternoon at the beach even better? A dessert reminiscent of a tropical island, of course. Pineapple and coconut are two flavors that evoke Caribbean shores with steel drum bands playing in the background and salty seas on the horizon.

Impromptu entertaining can be a fun way to get together with friends or family without the pressures of hosting more formal affairs. But hosts will still need to provide some refreshments for their guests, and having some easy recipes at the ready can make it easy to pull together a few bites in a hurry.

The tastes of summer are often amplified by fresh, regional produce. Peaches are a classic warm-weather fruit that provide just the right amount of sweetness to a variety of dishes. While it’s easy to pigeonhole peaches into breakfasts and desserts, they’re equally at home in more savory dishes.

Chocoholics often feel that nothing beats a rich piece of chocolate, a sumptuous slice of chocolate cake or a creamy serving of chocolate ice cream. Chocolate contains four times the amount of catechins as tea, and it contains the same heart-healthy flavonoids as red wine. However, the way chocolate is prepared can affect its potential health benefits. For those who want a healthy, low-fat chocolate option that’s easier on the waistline, smoothies may be the way to go.

When the warm weather beckons, people are apt to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Many people also are less likely to prepare heavy meals when the weather warms up. Rich, filling foods can make people feel sluggish, especially on hot days and nights. That’s why salads and summer are such a perfect match.