Classic Summer Sweets with a Twist

June 09, 2015
We show you how to put a fresh spin on your favorite summer desserts. From mint-infused homemade ice cream to grilled peach pie, these desserts will surprise and delight you.
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Coconut Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit

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Daisy Martinez, cookbook author and celebrity chef, makes this fresh fruit panna cotta the night before for a refreshing cookout dessert.

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See Classic Blueberry Ice Cream Pie recipe

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Chef Scott Peacock's sensational seasonal dessert comes together with ripe blueberries, vanilla ice cream, and a few kitchen staples.

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Sangria Peach Compote with Ice Cream

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"I use affordable, everyday wine for this sangria-inspired peach compote," says Food Network star Ted Allen. "Spoon it, fruit and all, over ice cream, and it's dessert."

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Roasted Peach Pies with Butterscotch Sauce

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Bake peaches in a biscuitlike crust; butterscotch sauce adds a touch of sweetness.

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Coconut Fruit S'mores

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Customize these indoor s'mores by swapping the blackberries for your favorite summer fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or plum slices.

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Skillet Peaches a la Mode

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Fresh peaches cooked in peach nectar and brown sugar are topped with buttery pastry, fresh berries, and creamy vanilla ice cream. Sprigs of mint add a bright, fresh-from-the-garden touch.

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Butter Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Grand Marnier Glaze

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Our simple to make glaze, coupled with lavender whipped cream, makes this fluffy butter cake stand above the rest. Fresh strawberries make a festive (and delicious) topper.

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Raspberry Angel Food Bruschetta

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Toasted slices of cake are topped with a mixture of raspberries, caramel sauce, and mint jelly. Sprigs of fresh mint add a garden-fresh touch. Serve it with a scoop of lemon or vanilla sorbet.

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Lemon Ice Cream with Blueberry Sauce

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There's nothing like homemade ice cream on a hot summer day, and this recipe is so simple to make. The combination of sweet-tart lemon ice cream and fresh blueberry sauce is hard to beat.

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Cornmeal Sandies

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Finely shredded lemon and orange peel stirred into the cookie dough gives these bite-sized treats fresh flavor. Serve them with our homemade lemon ice cream and blueberry sauce.

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Neapolitan Sundaes

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For a new take on classic sundaes, arrange slices of Neapolitan ice cream with crispy cinnamon-spiced crepes.

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Puffy Shortcakes with Meringue

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Lighter desserts can be delicious. In this recipe, light pastry takes the place of biscuits or cakes, and golden-toasted sweetened egg whites replace whipping cream.

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Flower-Power Mini Cupcakes

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This summer slant on vanilla cupcakes is irresistible. Stirring snipped marigold leaves and petals into white cake mix adds a lively citrus flavor to the cupcakes.

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Raspberry Custard Brulee

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Try this variation on classic creme brulee. Layer fresh raspberries and blueberries with creamy custard. Top with caramelized sugar.

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Tarragon Ice

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Snipped tarragon from your garden punches up the flavor of lemon ice -- and adds a pretty, party-worthy twist that's just right for summer get togethers.

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Chocolate Cupcake Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Two classic favorites -- ice cream and cupcakes -- combine to make the ultimate dessert. Pair chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cupcakes; top it off with tangy raspberry jam and chopped pecans.

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Tarragon Ice

Snipped tarragon from your garden punches up the flavor of lemon ice -- and adds a pretty, party-worthy twist that's just right for summer get togethers.

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