My Top 10 Summer Scoop Recipes

Summer is upon us and to many people the warmer weather conjures up cravings for ice cream.  Now to me, ice cream is a year-round treat that I willingly consume when its 4 degrees or 94 degrees F.  But given that ice cream tends to be the most popular during the hot and humid months, I have put together a list of my favorite summer scoops.  Below you will find a roundup of recipes that take advantage of the abundant summer produce and are cool and refreshing.  Enjoy!

Basil Ice Cream -  The approach of warm months is giving way to an abundance of herbs, with basil climbing to the sky.  Instead of making pesto this season, use your pot of basil to make a fresh and creamy summer treat.  Hints of anise and lemon make this ice cream a perfect pairing for fresh strawberries.

Peach Sherbet - With bright skins that remind me of the sunset and juicy insides that make my hands sticky, peaches make for a easy (and cheap) summer scoop.  A small amonut of creme fraiche is added to give this recipe a smooth and tangy taste.

Grape Sorbet - Do you love wine?  Or do you crave a glass of bright purple grape juice?  However you take your grapes, you will love the sweetness and versatility of this sorbet recipe.

Lime Cardamom Yogurt -  Lime trees are starting to fruit in the South, making this yogurt recipe a perfect seasonal treat.  The tangy flavor of the yogurt and tart cardamom are perfect complements to the citrusy limes.  Can't grow your own?  Store bought limes will work just as well in this flavorful scoop.

Watermelon Rosé Sorbet - Did you know that the average American consumes 18 pounds of watermelon per year? Crazy!  Instead of cubing and slicing this summer, use your watermelon in a cool and boozy scoop of sorbet. 

Pineapple Mint Sorbet - Sweet pineapple, bubbly champagne, and bright mint are married together in this sorbet recipe to make a light and fluffy summer scoop.

Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet - There are several creative ways to use strawberries during the summer season, like in baked good and jams, but why not let the strawberries take the lead role in a refreshing sherbet.  With just a hint of creaminess and a big burst of berry flavor, guests will keep asking for more.

Blueberry Mojito Sorbet - Bright blueberries bring color, texture, and sweetness to icey coolness of this sorbet. Lime, mint, and rum are added to make a refershing summer "cocktail" that tastes exactly like the real thing.

Peach Ice Cream -  Another peach recipe?  Yes!  This recipe is a classic peach ice cream recipe by David Lebovitz, author of the Perfect Scoop.  Tangy, sweet, and smooth, there is no better use for peaches this summer season.

Pear Champagne Sorbet - Last, but certainly not least, is one of my favorite fruit sorbet recipes.  Champagne makes this sorbet extra soft and scoopable while pears provide a sweet balance.  Since pears are in season in the late summer, feel free to make your own pear puree or juice for a local treat.

Comments

[Jessica]

Love the compilation! The lime cardamom and pear champagne sound particularly intriguing.