We're invited to an impromptu backyard potluck tonight and my brain is frozen. The host asked me to bring an appetizer or dessert. (Ahem. That’s way too many variables to input into anyone’s Fried-ay brain! Tell me one or the other, I beg of you!)

I’m short on time, and this must be party- (as well as press-) worthy. I head to the closest store on today’s "race track" - today that happens to be Hillers. Once I see the produce aisle I silently reprimand myself for whining. We’re in the height of produce season, for heaven’s sake. Get a grip!

August is for apricots, and I have a super simple-recipe which will stand in for appetizer or dessert. It’s attractive, and best of all, does not require cutlery! Like every recipe, there are lots of ways to vary the ingredients, all with delicious results.

Mascarpone is a thick, rich Italian cheese (available at most groceries in town) that works beautifully in this recipe. If you want to cut calories, substitute the mascarpone with strained Greek yogurt mixed with honey to taste. If decadent flavor is what you're after, combine Devon cream and a liquer, such as Grand Marnier, with the mascarpone. I've enjoyed the apricots stuffed with goat cheese. Slivered almonds can be substituted for pistachios, and so on.

Ingredients:

4 ounces mascarpone cheese 1 tablespoon creme fraiche or heavy cream Zest and juice from 1/2 orange Honey or agave as needed 10 ripe apricots, washed and cut in half 2 ounces pistachios, shelled and halved* Small mint sprigs for garnish, optional

*Trader Joe's sells 8 ounces shelled pistachio halves for $3.99 a bag.

Directions:

1. With a fork, cream together the mascarpone, creme fraiche or cream, orange juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. 2. Place a large dollop of the mascarpone mixture in the hollow of each apricot. Lightly sprinkle the mascarpone with pistachio halves and garnish with orange zest and mint sprigs, if desired. Drizzle serving platter with honey, if desired. 3. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 hours.