Dried black mushrooms from Japan and spicy, pungent French chanterelles make this a meatloaf for royals. As well it might, since the imported dried mushrooms cost a king’s ransom.

“There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” — “Hamlet,” W. Shakespeare. It’s also for pork and lamb, and according to medieval herbalists, a surefire complexion aid when infused in white wine.

Luscious, ripe strawberries may herald summer but, somehow, they can’t match the raspberries that follow for sybaritic luxury. This dessert is a heavenly confection that will transport dinner guests to a state of utterly dazed wonderment.

Eaten plain or with yogurt for breakfast or lunch and involved in more elaborate desserts for dinner, strawberries are hardly tiring, even on a daily basis. The season is too short for that. Here is a strawberry shortcake that can be prepared in a trice.