I need a recommendation for a summer dessert. Something light, healthy and yummy. Thanks!

13 Comments

Summer O. July 14, 2011
We just did Les Halles blueberries with lime sugar, lime zest confit and creme fraiche (in moderation) and it was a hit.
 
amysarah July 14, 2011
My mom's last minute summer dessert was always lightly sweetened berries - whichever looked best, or a mixture - topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar. You could easily substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. Simple and delicious.

My favorite summer dessert, however, is the one we ate every night at our friend's place in Italy (outside Montalcino) - a big bowl of ice water, filled with cherries, apricots, peaches, figs - usually from their own trees. Alongside: biscotti, amaretti wrapped in their pretty papers, bowls of nuts to crack, and a glass of vin santo or their homemade Nocello (walnut liqueur). I've often recreated this for summer dinners - even if I bought the fruit and liqueur :)...so lovely, sitting out under the trees. Relatively 'healthy' too.
 
minissimus July 14, 2011
Put half a peeled and pitted ripe peach cut side down in a shallow stem glass or a small, shallow dish. Spoon raspberry puree around, and top with a dollop of whipped cream. You might want to sweeten the puree a bit. The ingredients are in season, it's easy to make, lovely to look at, and delicious.
 
Author Comment
blueberries topped with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of brown sugar -- nice served in a wine glass
 
ATG117 July 13, 2011
As an addendum, for crunch you can add some crushed amaretti cookies, granola, or toasted almonds.
 
ATG117 July 13, 2011
halved grilled peaches, topped with marscapone (you can use greek yogurt or frozen you want to go low fat), and drizzled with honey. Alternatively you can sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or top with a berry sauce.
 
eliza_z July 13, 2011
i like to do granitas in the summer, super easy to make and a frozen dessert is always yummy.

this recipe (with or without the yogurt): http://www.food52.com/recipes/3482_feta_frozen_yogurt_with_blood_orange_and_mint_granita

i've also just done a lemon granita by mixing a simple syrup with lemon juice and doing the same freeze and scrape method as the above recipe.
 
Bevi July 13, 2011
I love grilled pineapple and peaches in the hot weather. Also, poached fruit that is then cooled is refreshing. Check out this recipe from therunawayspoon:

http://www.food52.com/recipes/5500_peaches_poached_with_basil
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx July 13, 2011
In the warmer months I like to grill fruit on kabobs, slide off and plate then drizzle with a simple dark choclate sauce and whipped cream (on the side). I have made this recipe before, Broiled Pineapple with Frozen Yogurt and its sweet, light and pretty healthy for dessert.

Here's the recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/316815/broiled-pineapple-with-frozen-yogurt?czone=eat-well/healthy-snacks-cnt/at-home&backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/healthy-dessert-recipes

Also, a fruit granita variation, specifically Cheery Ice from Martha Stewart
http://www.marthastewart.com/282913/cherry-ice?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/cherry-peach-plum-and-apricot-desserts#slide_10

My favorite though is fruit dipped in chocolate, let to harden in fridge with biscotti on the side.
 
sdebrango July 13, 2011
Chefjune's quick strawberry sherbet is delicious, easy and takes advantage of the fruit of the season here is the link http://www.food52.com/recipes/371_quick_strawberry_sherbet
 
SKK July 13, 2011
http://www.food52.com/recipes/10052_rustic_key_lime_pie_from_the_land_of_yogurt_and_honey This is an amazing key lime pie from Sagegree that is so light!
 
There'sAlwaysPie July 13, 2011
I think anything the features all the amazing fruit that is ripe in the summer is great. Even something as simple as some angel food cake with some fresh berries and/or peaches with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
 
hardlikearmour July 13, 2011
Pavlovas make an excellent summer dessert - it's light, and reasonably healthy if you don't go overboard on the whipped cream.
 
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