Let’s be honest, summer is just more fun! It is full of BBQ’s and pool parties and lots of reasons to celebrate. This week I wanted share with you some easy and refreshing summer desserts. – yes, it is OK to eat something just because it tastes good! These are all made with fresh ingredients that are in season and most likely already in your house.
Watermelon, Lime & Mint Popsicles
I think that popsicles are the most refreshing treat of the summer. Plus, they are a great way to use up extra fruit before it goes bad…or maybe I am the only one that got a little to excited about watermelons on sale this week?
I love this recipe because it has just 3 ingredients: watermelon, lime and mint. If you want to make them a little sweeter, consider adding some honey or maple syrup. However, I would try them as is first because they taste pretty perfect as is IMHO.
Jessica uses popsicle sticks, but when I make homemade popsicles, I use this tray from amazon.
Find the recipe at: Jessica in the Kitchen
Honey Drizzled Grilled Peaches & Yogurt
I think that it must be divine intervention that peach season and grilling season happen at the same time. This is a perfect end to a summer BBQ or something quick and easy when you are craving a sweet at night.
This recipe has you blanch the peach and then baste it with honey to create the perfectly gooey texture inside and a caramelized outside. If you are short on time, skip the boiling water and just throw then straight on the grill. I promise you will be happy either way!
Recipe and photo credit: MyFitnessPal.com
Coconut Popped Kettle Corn
Truth be told, I’m more of a savory lover than sweet…but this simple homemade kettle corn recipe has the best of both worlds.
It’s another simple recipe using only popcorn, coconut oil, brown sugar and sea salt. However, I sometimes make it even easier by air popping popcorn, spraying it with coconut oil and topping with a bit of sea salt. This cuts down on both the time and sugar but it still really tasty.
I recommend making both and having a blind taste test. I also recommend inviting me over to judge!
Find the recipe at: Coconut Popped Kettle Corn
Chocolate & Raspberries
If you have never tried raspberries and chocolate together, you are in for a real treat! This is a simple combination with only two ingredients but has a surprising amount of flavor.
Kim (in the recipe below and picture to the left) does an amazing job melting the chocolate and pouring them into the raspberries. I applaud and admire this! In my kitchen this would result in a chocolate covered counter, messy raspberries and a frustrated Tara. Instead I create a similar combo by simply putting little chocolate chips in the hole. Both are incredibly delicious, so the choice is yours!
Find the recipe: Nordic Food Living
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ok, I know I just said that I was more of a savory person, but I forgot about the peanut butter and chocolate combo. I’m pretty sure that’s what the streets of heaven are lined with…or at least the waiting room.
This is another simple recipe using just chocolate, peanut butter, maple syrup and salt (optional but highly recommended). The hardest part is waiting the 25 minutes for them to freeze!
Find the recipe: COOKIE + kate
Frozen Grapes
This is a hard follow up to the food served in heaven, but sometimes you need something really quick and easy. Frozen grapes involve no prep but have a great sweet and tart flavor that can be a refreshing treat.
No recipe for this one, just throw them in the freezer and serve them up when you are craving a burst of flavor!
Easy Sorbet
Sorbet is another great way to use fresh fruit to create a cooling treat during the summer months.
It is a simple combo of fruit, maple syrup and lemon juice. The link below has 4 recipes using raspberries, melon, pineapple and peach, but also shows you how to convert it so you can use your favorite fruit on hand.
Find the recipe: The Flavor Bender
Chocolate Mug Cake
This last one involves a few more ingredients, but if you do any baking you are likely to have them on hand. It also makes a perfect single serving for when you are craving something sweet but don’t need a whole cake in the house.
Katie also has other versions with great flavors like coffee and caramel. I’m pretty sure they offer those in heaven too. Her site is worth spending some time on!
Find the recipe: Chocolate Covered Katie
