The days are longer, the air is warmer, and the work is hopefully lighter. Yes, it is summertime and you shouldn’t have to turn on your stove! The good news is that delicious and gourmet sundaes are an easy alternative to your average pan of brownies. Here are five essentials elements that will help you build the perfect summertime dessert.
Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, Oh My!
Let’s get down to the basics- you need an excellent beginning for your glass. If traditional is what you are after, a basic vanilla is versatile and easy to make. If you already have an ice cream machine, Cuisinart has several delicious options that are compatible with most devices. Check out their Simple Vanilla Ice Cream that uses only four basic ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to make. If you don’t have a machine, have no fear! Taste of Home has outlined a method that uses an ice bath and a whisk. It might take a little extra work but the results will be worth the effort.
If you are looking for an iced delight that strays from the beaten path, gelato or sorbet are tasty alternatives. Saveur Magazine has put together an exotic list of ice cream and gelato flavors that include Sour Cream with Strawberry and Brown Sugar Swirl and Kaffir Lime Gelato. Lighter in fanfare is Southern Living’s ice cream list which includes a line-up of fruit sorbets that feature raspberries, blueberries, and watermelon.
Not You Average Bowl
Don’t let your frozen creation fall into your cereal bowls! Why not use steamless wine glasses instead? Dust off those old martini glasses or dip into your colorful mug collection. For a smaller dessert, use tall shooters. Feeling nostalgic? Smash your treat in between two cookies!
To Fudge or Not to Fudge
For the chocoholic, hot fudge is a must. While your ice cream is chilling in the fridge, try your hand at Smitten Kitchen’s Hot Fudge Sauce. This bittersweet fudge will harden up on your ice cream and is surprisingly simple to make. You can also add rum to it for an extra kick!
For fruity dessert, try a jelly or preserve! Ree Drummond has an excellent Caramel Sauce recipe that takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
Whipped Delight
If you bypass the hot fudge it is essential to add some whipped cream! Light and tasty, this topping can go with almost any dish. Simply add your cold heavy cream into a bowl and whip with a hand mixer until the cream forms stiff peaks.
Forget the Sprinkles!
Finally, offer some fun alternatives for toppings. Add fresh fruit to your sorbet or graham crackers to your chocolate. The Kitchn has an exotic list of toppings to get your creativity cooking.
It’s time to turn off the oven and entertain without the drain. With these few basic sundae elements you can help your guests create a dessert that will have them screaming for more!
above image via smitten kitchen
