The garden harvest is starting to slow down, so let’s talk about fruits. There is an abundance of local fruit now.
First let’s talk about pantry item options, so you can whip up a delicious side or dessert in record time.
- mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese), yogurt, feta, and/or whipped cream
- nuts – almonds, pecans, walnuts
- good sweet wine, Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur, rum
- mint
- honey and/or maple syrup
- cinnamon
Fresh Pineapple Slices – saute in butter or brush with melted butter and grill, then sprinkle with brown sugar and a little rum
Cantaloupe Pieces – drizzle with honey and serve with yogurt and pecans
Watermelon Pieces – serve with feta and chopped mint
Stone Fruit (peaches, apricots, plums, etc) – slice in half, remove stone, place in baking pan, drizzle with orange liqueur, place a little water in bottom of pan, cover & bake 350 until just soft, serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and toasted sliced almonds
Fresh Figs – serve with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey
Bananas (slightly green) – pierce and bake or grill until black and soft, cut open scoop out, serve topped with mascarpone / honey / vanilla mixture, and sprinkle with cinnamon
Strawberries – serve with a bowl of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and a bowl of brown sugar (strawberries are dipped in sour cream, then brown sugar)
Mango Slices – serve with lime Greek yogurt