Apples and pears are two of our best-loved fruits. Grown in seemingly endless varieties, they are as versatile and delicious to cook with as they are beautiful to look at. For a light meal or snack try something from Savories . Recipes include Apple, Parsnip, and Thyme Soup or Pear and Parmesan Salad with Endive and Walnuts. A chapter devoted to Bakes features tasty teatime treats. Try Applesauce Cookies, Pear and Chocolate Muffins, or Apple and Carrot Spice Bread. Apples and pears are the perfect ingredient for a range of Tarts and Pies . Fool-proof recipes include Classic Apple Pie, Tarte Tatin, Pear and Almond Tart, and praline Apple Strudel. More tempting Desserts include classics such as Apple and Blackberry Crumble, Pear Cobbler, and Apple Brown Betty with Cranberries or the wickedly indulgent and boozy Spiced Pear Trifle. Looking for ways to make use of windfall fruit? Preserves and Sauces include recipes for perfect accompaniments to cheese and cold meats, such as Apple, Pear, and Ginger Chutney or Apple, Red Onion, and Cherry Chutney. Or for those with a sweet tooth there is Apple Butter with Honey and Apple Pumpkin Jam.

*More than 30 delicious sweet and savory recipes, beautifully photographed by Peter Cassidy.

*Laura Washburn is the author of the best-selling Bistro , also published by Ryland Peters & Small.