Random Thoughts

The best thing about summer is getting to bring out a whole batch of new desert recipes! Summer's deserts are a change-up from year-round staples like chocolate cake. Online cupcake blogs make it possible to make new variations of your favorites that bring cupcakes into season. Cool twists on tarts are a nice change in temperature for those who love ice box treats on a hot summer day. Also, summer desserts are all about the fruit. Citrus and berries are seasonal favorites, in silky refrigerated tarts and summery cupcakes. The new varieties in taste and texture are as refreshing as a cold drink of lemonade.

Summer Cupcakes

I have a real soft spot for cupcakes. Just because summer rolls around, doesn't mean you have to put aside these year- round favorites. The Cupcake Bakeshop by Chockylit blog featured on Cupcake Blogs posted a few unique summer cupcake recipes that I can't wait to try! The lemon cupcakes are some of the quirkiest variations of summer. Hollow out the inside of a few Meyer lemons, make a cupcake filling using the hollowed out lemon pulp and refill the hollowed-out peels with delicious cupcake filling. The recipe is topped with light, fluffy meringue. This recipe could turn out like little lemon pies. I bet it would be great refrigerated!

Fruity Delights

“Coastal Living” recently listed 25 best summer deserts features some more grown-up summery selections for adults and those youngsters who don't like cupcakes (though I haven't met one who didn't). The blackberry ice cream in particular caught my eye. Summer means berry season and this recipe is sure to be a kid favorite. Just mix up some blackberries, ice and sugar and make a custard. Put it in an ice cream maker with some rock salt for four hours and you have some homemade blackberry ice cream! This would go perfect with that other favorite simple summer recipe, grilled peaches.

Tantalizing Tart

My favorite Key lime pie got a new spin this summer from “Coastal Living” as well. White chocolate Key lime pie could be served hot or cold. I think I'll chill mine and serve it with some cold sweet tea. This simple recipe is a family favorite and everything is better with chocolate. The best part is, it only uses five ingredients –  whipping cream, white chocolate, sour cream, limes, and graham cracker crust mix.
Even as an adult, summer still feels like vacation with its warm weather and tasty deserts. All those cool, fruity treats are my favorite part of the summer. They're so yummy, guests will wonder if you went to online cooking school during vacation.