If luscious, rich, heavy, and elaborate are what come to mind when you think of French desserts, you are in for a surprise. Actually, there are French desserts that are truly simple in nature. And some are even inspired by fruit. Not only do they taste juicy and sun-ripened-sweet but are also quick to make and lighter on the waist. If what you crave is less-guilt-laden sweets that aren’t shy on flavor, texture, and color, you must give these fruity gems a go! Fruit Platters with a Twist Laura Calder, Canadian food writer and cooking-show host, shares easy and elegant ways of dressing up fruit platters. For instance, strew teaspoons of fragrant rose water over wedges of summer-ripe watermelon; or lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon and a bit of sugar over orange slices. The French got such inspirations from their spice-loving neighbors in Mideast and North Africa. Totally refreshing and ingenious, indeed! Get the recipes here and here. Strawberry & Champagne Terrine A layer of strawberry-dotted Champagne jelly stacked against a second layer of vivid-red strawberry jelly. The good news? This showstopper is deceptively easy to make. And the flavor is pristine, cooling, and summery. Get the recipe here.

Red-Wine-Poached Pears with Star Anise & Pistachios Things won’t go wrong when your guests are served this crowd-pleaser. Ripe but firm pears bathe long and slow in a sweet, star-anise-scented red wine infusion until they turn tender, sticky, and dark red. The fragrant red wine bath is then reduced to a syrup to serve with the pears and chopped pistachios. A scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream or a dollop of crème fraiche doesn’t hurt, either. Get the recipe here. Chilled Summer Berry Bisque Easy to prep, refreshing, low in fat and calories. Have a big saucepan, a blender, and the refrigerator ready, then whizz everything up, and you will be on your path to berry nirvana! Get the recipe here. Hunt for the hottest French restaurant Find out more top desserts restaurant