With so many fruits in peak season by July Fourth, summery desserts almost make themselves. Fruits are always a treat when eaten unadorned and out of hand, but they’re also the perfect starting place for an impressive variety of pies, cakes, bars, tarts and crumbles. For the Fourth, Kafka likes a classic strawberry shortcake.

Ken Pickels loves to eat. But after years of pretty much eating what he wanted when he wanted and not being particularly concerned with nutrition, he radically changed his dining habits. Almost dying will do that for you.