I got my first out-of-the-blue reader email recently (from someone who turned out to be my parents' neighbor, although we don't actually know him!), asking for summer dessert suggestions. In my typical long winded way (when you get me talking about dessert), I ended up writing a fairly lengthy response. Since I haven't had a lot to contribute to the blog lately I figured I'd share my musings with the rest of you, just in time for the Fourth of July!! My response to him was mostly comprised of ideas, but has a few real recipes thrown in, too (and a reference to my 2010 post about rhubarb jam, that will never, ever get old for me!).
I love light and fruity desserts, always, but particularly in the summer. One of
my favorite things to make is fruit compote or macerated strawberries,
which I serve over a simple panna cotta, yogurt, or a good quality
vanilla ice cream. Panna cotta is lovely because it seems like it's
fancy and complicated, but it's actually quite quick to make, and is
cool and creamy and can play host to any number of fruity
accompaniments. I have used Ina Garten's recipe with good success. You
need to prep it a day ahead, but the active time is quite short, and
won't heat up your kitchen in the summer. It is as follows:
