Fruit tart

Photo: Candace Nelson

3 of 5
Rustic and Artisan
Do you troll the farmers' market every Sunday? Do you love to make free-form galettes oozing with fresh, local fruits? Or date bars studded with nuts, whole grain hearth breads and olive oil cake? What about strawberry shortcake brightened with fresh citrus zests?

Whatever artisanal creation you decide upon, be sure to adorn it with fresh herbs, candied fruit or nuts, a light dusting of powdered sugar or dollop of velvety whipped cream. Simple, natural and understated beauty is the name of the game with this style. Resist too much adornment, as the beauty of the ingredients should speak for themselves.

Colors should be muted and natural—marked only by the color of a fruit or green color of a pistachio nut. Source ingredients from the local farmers' market to keep your creations seasonal and local.