Last updated on June 28, 2014 by Liza Hawkins
It’s officially SUMMER.
School’s been out for two weeks already for my kids, so technically summer vacation started in spring. “Spring” vacation doesn’t quite have the same ring though.
This summer’s a little different for us. We’ve just moved to our new house on my parents’ property, about 40 minutes away from our old house in Frederick. It’s a little more rural, and unlike the past decade…we’re no longer part of a neighborhood with a community pool.
Believe me when I say you get used to having pools at your fingertips over the summer, especially when kids are part of the equation. It’s wonderful.
But, with acreage at our fingertips now, I don’t think we’re going to miss those pools TOO much. There are forts to build. Veggies, berries and eggs to gather. New neighborhood kids to meet. Fireflies to catch!
Another great thing about this time of year are all the summer dessert recipes. I can’t get enough of the berry cobblers, pies, ice cream…. Oh my!
And speaking of summer dessert recipes, here are a few of my favorites from the blog over the years:
1. Lemon Curd Tartlettes
These little mini tarts are bursting with lemon flavor, and they’re so incredibly easy to prepare for a crowd. Bonus: the lemon curd will keep for about two weeks in the fridge, so use any leftovers for topping pancakes, over ice cream…or simply by the spoonful!
2. Homemade Key Lime Pie
I talk about this pie a lot. A LOT. It’s a family favorite, so much so that my sister requested three pies for her birthday one year – one to eat now, and two to freeze later. Another easy recipe, you’ll make it time and time again!
3. Raspberry Crumble Bars
After the my blueberry crumble bars went viral on Pinterest, I quickly decided a raspberry version was in order. I mean, who doesn’t love raspberries? (Now’s the perfect time to make these!)
4. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
This twist on the original summer favorite is perfect for a birthday party, or just because. The whipped cream frosting really sets it off (although I suspect cream cheese frosting would also be delicious)!
5. Homemade Frozen Fudge Pops
Why bother buying frozen fudge pops when it’s ridiculously easy to make them from scratch at home? This particular recipe sweetens with real maple syrup instead of sugar, so they’re better for you too (but taste just as good).
6. Blueberry Crumble Bars
Pictures are worth a thousand words, and in the case of this recipe – it’s SO true. One look and you’ll want to lick the screen. Or rush into your kitchen to make a batch.
7. Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches
Bake the cookies from scratch, make your own ice cream (or buy your favorite), and then look at crazy easy it is to make your own ice cream sandwiches. I dare you to buy them from the store after this. Dare you!
8. Lazy Cook’s Banana Pudding
Disclaimer: This recipe is a couple years old and uses things like “instant pudding” and “whipped topping” that I’d probably not use today. (Although my in-laws enjoy this version, so I make it for them now and then.) If I were to do it today for our family, I’d make homemade whipped cream and pudding from scratch. It really wouldn’t be that hard….
