The Best of Summer

With their natural sweetness and great textures, there are tons of fruits that are the perfect base for dessert flavors.  Summer is here and many of my favorite fruits are starting to make their appearance at farmer's markets and produce stands, ripe from the vine.  I love recipes that really highlight the natural perfection of fruit.  Adding a little sugar or a hint of lemon juice can really brighten up a basic fruit.  For example, many of my favorite granita recipes are based on one main fruit juice.  By adding a little sugar or complimenting flavors, they gain extra dimensions and really make the main flavor shine.

My favorite sorbet recipes are similar.  While the creamy texture and perfect flavor of a ripe mango is the focal point of my mango sorbet (that's the one in the photograph), a little bit of orange juice compliments the natural flavors.  Citrus is a great addition to many desserts because the tartness balances out sugar so that your dessert is flavorful without being too sweet.

Sherbet recipes are a great way to focus on fruit but add a creamy texture.  Fruits like orange and raspberry don't give a dessert that soft, decadent texture that smooth-fleshed fruits do, but add a little milk or cream and you transform the juices to something more indulgent.  Focus on fruit, especially as summer is here and many of them are starting to come into season.