Nostalgic Summer Desserts

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and there's a certain magic in the air that can only mean one thing: summer is officially here! (And the deer are officially eating all my tomato plants!!! sos!)

With the wave of summer coming in, we’ve now got the perfect excuse to indulge in light, refreshing, and utterly delicious desserts. This week, we're diving into three fantastic totally nostalgic ways to satisfy your sweet tooth as the temperatures rise.

1. The Quintessential Summer Classic: Strawberry Shortcake

Could there be a more iconic summer dessert than Strawberry Shortcake? We think not! This delightful treat perfectly captures the essence of the season with its simple yet powerful combination of flavors and textures. Imagine:

• Sweet, juicy strawberries, macerated just enough to release their vibrant juices and create a luscious syrup.

• Light, fluffy shortcake biscuits, often made with a hint of butter and a touch of sweetness, providing the perfect vehicle for all that fruity goodness.

• Pillowy clouds of freshly whipped cream, adding a rich, creamy counterpoint to the berries and biscuit.

The beauty of strawberry shortcake lies in its versatility. You can use classic tender biscuits, or for a slightly richer experience, opt for a scone-like shortcake. Don't be shy with the strawberries – the more, the merrier! And while store-bought whipped cream works in a pinch, making your own with a touch of vanilla extract truly elevates this simple dessert to extraordinary heights. It's a taste of pure summer nostalgia in every bite!

2. An Elegant French Delight: Cherry Clafoutis

Looking for something a little more sophisticated but still wonderfully easy to make? Allow us to introduce you to the Cherry Clafoutis. This rustic French dessert is essentially a baked custard with fruit, and it's surprisingly simple to prepare.

Traditionally made with unpitted cherries (the pits are said to impart a subtle almond flavor), a clafoutis features a thick, pancake-like batter poured over a bed of fresh cherries and then baked until golden and set. The result is a delightfully custardy interior with bursts of sweet-tart cherry goodness.

Why it's perfect for summer:

• It's light and not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavor of the cherries to shine.

• It can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining.

• It is gluten free!!!

• It's wonderfully versatile – while cherries are traditional, you can experiment with other stone fruits like plums or apricots. A dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs for a beautiful presentation.

3. The Ultimate "Better Than a Banana Split" Fruit Split!

Forget everything you thought you knew about the classic banana split, because we're about to elevate it to a whole new level of summer dessert ecstasy! Our "Better Than a Banana Split" Fruit Split takes the beloved concept and expands it with an array of fresh, seasonal fruits and exciting toppings.

Instead of just bananas, envision a generous platter featuring:

• A medley of ripe summer fruits: Think sliced peaches, nectarines, berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries!), kiwi, and of course, a banana or two.

• Scoops of your favorite ice cream: Go beyond vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry! Consider a refreshing sorbet, a decadent salted caramel, or even a tangy lemon curd ice cream.

• Elevated sauces: Ditch the standard chocolate syrup for a homemade berry coulis, a rich dark chocolate ganache, a tangy passion fruit drizzle, or a drizzle of olive oil and honey (our personal favorite).

• Gourmet toppings: Crunchy toasted nuts (pecans, almonds), shredded coconut, mini meringue kisses, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (our go to), or even a dollop of homemade whipped cream with a dash of liqueur.

The beauty of the fruit split is its customizable nature. It's a dessert that encourages creativity and sharing, making it perfect for summer gatherings. Let your imagination run wild and create your own perfect symphony of flavors and textures!

Happy Summering Gingis!!!!

All our love,

Ben and Zikki