If you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert, then you’ve just found it. Summertime desserts should be easy, feed many and be pretty quick to pull together. Other than the fruit, these ingredients are mostly pantry staples, that take no time to measure out and assemble. So, please don’t be deterred by the list of ingredients and give it a try.

First, regarding the fruit, you can do innumerable combinations of your favorites. Here, I have used blueberries, peaches and nectarines. However, if you look closely at the pictures, I also threw in a few strawberries that I had. So, a great way to use up some random, leftover items. The one thing I would caution against, is just using one fruit…a combination of two or more is definitely preferred and is just more flavorful.

Additionally, feel free to mix up the amounts of each fruit to your preference or availability. If you like, try just blueberries and nectarines, a terrific combo and the nectarines don’t have to be peeled. So, that’s a big plus in my world. Additionally, add in some raspberries or mango, either would be wonderful. Finally, just don’t be afraid to be creative or practical with this.

INGREDIENTS
24 oz. blueberries
2 peaches, peeled and sliced
2 nectarines, sliced
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch
3 Tbs. lemon juice
1/8 tsp. kosher salt

TOPPING INGREDIENTS
1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
6 Tbs. cold butter, diced
1/2 cup half and half
1/3 cup sliced almonds
3 Tbs. turbinado sugar (raw sugar)
1 Tbs. egg white

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350º
Combine fruit in a 13×9 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Mix the 2/3 cup sugar, 2 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch, lemon juice and 1/8 tsp. kosher salt and then, sprinkle over the fruit and gently toss to combine.

For the topping, combine the flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 Tbs. cornstarch, baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon of salt and stir to combine well. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal. Then, add the half and half, gently mix with a fork, just until combined and moist. Next, drop by spoonfuls, evenly over the fruit mixture.

Finally, for the topping, combine the almonds, turbinado sugar and egg white. Toss to mix well and evenly sprinkle over the top and bake for about 50 minutes or until the topping is nicely browned. Serve with vanilla ice cream. This makes enough for about 10 people.

For New Englanders, most need no introduction to this recipe. To those that don’t know, Jordan Marsh was a large department store based in downtown Boston. They had a wonderful in-store bakery and though the bakery had many wonderful items, their blueberry muffins were what made them famous. These treats are overflowing with blueberries and have a yummy, sugar crusted top that makes them absolutely irresistible. Although the Boston store closed in the mid 1990’s, this recipe lives on and is still an all time favorite. Give it a try, I promise it will not disappoint.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2-1/2 cups blueberries
2 Tbs raw sugar (for the top of muffins)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375º.

First, cream the butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy; add the eggs, one at time, beating well after each. Then, add the vanilla and mix to incorporate. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder), then add to the mixture, alternating with the milk. Do not overmix.

Crush 1/2 cup of the blueberries with a fork, add to the batter, stir to combine and then fold in the remaining whole berries.

Next, spray a 12 cup muffin pan with non-stick spray and I also recommend using paper muffin liners. Because of the volume of blueberries, they definitely tend to stick to the pan and the paper liners just make things easier. Fill the liners with the batter and take note that they will almost be overflowing. Finally, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of raw sugar over the tops. The combination of the very full muffin liners and the additional sugar on top makes a wonderful, crunchy topped muffin when they overflow a bit (and they will). Trust me, that overflowing batter, with the crispy sugar, without a doubt is my favorite part of the muffin, it will become your favorite as well.

Bake at 375º for about 30-35 minutes. Cool in the pan. After several minutes of cooling, run a knife around the edge of each muffin to release it from the pan and then cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes…if you can wait that long!

NOTES
If you don’t have raw sugar or turbinado sugar, you definitely can use regular granulated with good results. This will seem like too much batter for only 12 muffins, but stick to the 12 muffins, because part of the yumminess is the overflowing, crunchy top. Also, when storing the muffins, do not cover them or they will be too soggy the next day.

So, given that we have all been locked inside for way too many weeks, I assume I’m not the only one that has been baking bread…all kinds of bread. This is an easy recipe to pump out and please the family. They’ll love you for it and it is wonderful any time of day. Additionally, if you really want to make them happy, try my honey oatmeal bread, it’s an insanely easy and delicious sandwich bread.

Sourdough has been my other ‘project’ recently; very intimidating at first, but not as difficult as I thought it would be. It is incredibly gratifying when you pull that first loaf out of the oven and realize that YOU made it. More to come on that in a later post and I hope you try it.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, this is an extremely dangerous obsession and sadly, you are correct and I have the pounds to prove it. However, it is a also a delicious and satisfying endeavor and the good news is, my consumption has tapered off dramatically (and yours will too), moderation is definitely the key.

Back to the banana bread; this is an adaption from Smitten Kitchen’s Ultimate Banana Bread and is a true banana lovers’ bread. In case you haven’t noticed, many recipes have only a mild banana flavor and I think it’s because they tend to skimp on the bananas. Personally, I like a strong banana flavor and this recipe fits the bill, with a hefty 4-5 bananas.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into chunks
1 cup packed, light brown sugar
4-5 large bananas, mashed to equal about 2 cups
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. fine sea salt
1 generous tsp. ground cinnamon
pinch of fresh grated nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
raw or turbinado sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350º and butter a 9×5 inch loaf pan or coat with a nonstick spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, melt the butter, whisk in the brown sugar and then fold in the mashed bananas. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla. Meanwhile, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and whisk to combine. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir well. When fully combined, pour into the prepared pan, sprinkle the sugar on top (about 1 Tbs., if using) and bake for 50-65 minutes. Use the toothpick test, when it comes out clean, its done. All ovens are different and can make a big difference when baking; so, be sure to use the toothpick as your guide.

Let it cool for as long as you can stand it and then, dig in…warm out of the oven, with butter; toasted the morning after, or as a mid-day treat with a cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, you’ll be back for more.

NOTES
There are many ways to vary this. Obviously, the most common addition is a cup of walnuts. Think about trying a cup of pecans or a cup of mini chocolate chips is also a nice change and better than you might think. Give it a try.

This is for all of you non-bakers. I understand the aversion to baking pies, worrying how they will turn out, fear of failure and all that stress. Well, that is what makes this recipe so appealing, it comes together in minutes, with virtually no stress. Doesn’t hurt that it’s delicious and a definite crowd pleaser.

Although I give you a crust recipe here (scroll to the bottom), you can certainly make it even easier, with excellent results, by using a good, store-bought pie crust. My only caution…do not bother with the frozen crusts that come in a tin foil pan.

FILLING INGREDIENTS
12 oz. blueberries
1 Tbs. corn starch
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
zest of half a lemon
turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

ASSEMBLY
Preheat oven to 375º.
In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, zest, cinnamon and sugar. Then, toss well to combine and coat the berries. Roll out the crust (store bought or homemade…see below) on a lightly floured surface, to about a 12″ round. Transfer the crust to a parchment lined baking sheet.

Next, mound the blueberry mixture in the middle of the crust, leaving about a 2″ border. Then, fold the edges over the blueberry mixture, overlapping slightly. Brush the edges of the crust with some milk and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.

Finally, bake the galette for about 45 minutes or until the crust is a deep brown and the filling is bubbling. Make sure to check on it, all ovens vary and it may take a little more or less time. Cool a bit before serving. This can also be done earlier in the day, then briefly reheat in the oven, before serving. Make sure to top with some good vanilla ice cream!

Here is the crust recipe, for those of you that wish to go to the next level and make your own. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

CRUST INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup pecans
1 cup plus 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 stick (8 oz.) butter, chilled and diced

CRUST
Preheat oven to 350º.
Toast the pecans, in a single layer, on a sheet pan, occasionally tossing, until fragrant and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. When pecans have cooled, pulse them in a food processor until the texture of coarse meal.

Add the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and pulse to combine. Then, add the butter and again, pulse until the mixture is resembles coarse meal, leaving a few larger, pea-size pieces. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and drizzle with 4 Tbs. of ice water. Mix well, until it comes together, adding another tablespoon of water, if needed. Gently pat the dough into a small disk, wrap in plastic and chill for an hour or more. This can be done a couple of days prior to using.

Adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi’s roasted chicken with clementines and arak. This is such a great choice for entertaining a crowd. With all the prep work done ahead of time, that makes for a very relaxed hostess. In addition, you’ll find the flavors are intense and anything but ordinary. You and your guests will love this dish. I often serve some jasmine rice, a slice of good bread and a simple salad.

INGREDIENTS
6 1/2 Tbs. Pernod (Anise liquor)
4 Tbs. olive oil
3 Tbs. orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tbs. whole grain mustard
3 Tbs. light brown sugar
2 medium fennel bulbs
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
2-3 lbs. chicken thighs or 1 large chicken, cut into 8 pieces
4 clementines, unpeeled, sliced into 1/4″ pieces
1 Tbs. thyme leaves
flat leaf parsley, chopped for garnish

DIRECTIONS
First, place the first six ingredients in a large mixing bowl, add 2 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper, whisk together and set aside. 

Next, trim the fennel, cut each bulb in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 4 wedges. Add the fennel to the liquids, along with the chicken, sliced clementines and thyme. Mix well, transfer to a ziplock bag (or 2) and marinate for a couple of hours or overnight. You could just marinate this in the large mixing bowl, however I actually find it is easier to mix and rotate throughout the marinating process, as a result, all the goodness will reach all parts of the chicken.

If you are very short on time and still want to make this dish, you could certainly shorten the marinating time. On the other hand, know that you may be compromising the intensity of the flavors. Consequently, I would  shoot for at least a full hour of martinating.

Preheat oven to 425º
Transfer the chicken and marinade mixture to a baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan, large enough for everything to be in one layer. More importantly, make sure the chicken is skin side up, to ensure proper browning/crisping of the skin. During the cooking, check to ensure the chicken pieces are getting browned and move things around a bit if needed.

Roast for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.

Next, remove chicken, fennel and clementines from the pan and arrange nicely on a large serving plate, cover and keep warm. Meanwhile, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan, place over medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Simmer the sauce until it is reduced by about one third, you should end up with about 1/3 – 1/2 cup. Finally, pour the hot sauce over the chicken, garnish with the parsley and serve.

If you want a show-stopping dessert and one that is also delicious, this is the one. Not only is it relatively easy to make, but no one will believe that you made it yourself! Also, feel free to use whatever fruits are your favorite or whatever you have on-hand. You can’t go wrong.

TART PASTRY
1 1/2 cups flour (do not use self-rising)
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted & finely ground
1/4 cup, packed light or dark brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 egg

PASTRY DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400º
Combine all ingredients in a food processor, until a ball forms. Although I use a food processor for this, you could just as easily use a mixer. Press the dough firmly and evenly against the bottom and sides of a 9″ or 10″ tart pan, with removable bottom. Then poke it all over, with a fork; this prevents it from puffing up while cooking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light brown. Set aside to cool.

LEMON FILLING & FRUIT
1/2 cup lemon curd, Trader Joe’s is a good one
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
pint of strawberries
large handful of blueberries
3-4 kiwis, depending on their size

FILLING DIRECTIONS
While the crust is baking, beat the lemon curd and cream cheese, until very smooth. Then, spread evenly over the cooled crust and chill for about an hour or until firm. Arrange a selection of berries and sliced fruit over the lemon mixture. My favorite combination is strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries, for both flavor and color combination. However, you can certainly try any combination you prefer.

GLAZE
2 Tbs. apricot jam, jelly or preserves
1-2 tsp. water

Heat the jam and water in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds until melted, mix well, and brush over the fruit. You don’t need to go heavy with this, just a light coating will do. The jam glaze gives the fruit a nice, shiny, professional look. Alternatively, you could just use a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. However, the shine that the glaze imparts really does makes it look professionally done.