Simple Fruit Desserts

Photo courtesy of Stu_Spivak

Jack and I entertain often at the last minute. A neighbor or friend will call to see if we'd like to get together and often we'll play cards or watch a sports event.

I try to keep in my pantry, refrigerator and freezer many ingredients that lend themselves to last minute cooking. Desserts are no exception. Here are some simple to prepare but delicious ideas.

Serve slices of pound cake with fruit such as:

Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Kiwi
Pineapple
Poached Rhubarb
Or a combination of fruits.

:: You could use Lemon Pound Cake or Almond or any flavor you like and pair it with a complimentary fruit. The pound cake could be homemade or purchased.

:: You could use purchased Angel Food Cake or bake up some puff pastry from the grocer's freezer section. It's really good and so convenient.

:: Make a parfait by layering fruit, yogurt or ice cream or pudding, nuts, coconut...you get the idea.

:: Either bake or purchase a plain cheesecake. Top with any of the above fruits and drizzle with chocolate, if desired. Use nuts or coconut as a garnish. Maybe perch a mint leaf on top.

Put in pretty serving dishes, top with a dollop of real whipped cream and perhaps a drizzle of chocolate. Garnish with a reserved piece of the fruit and you have a refreshing, fresh dessert.

You see, you don't have to be a gourmet baker. You don't have to even bake at all! And you can still serve a beautiful, delicious and healthy dessert at a moment's notice.

Pretty nifty, if I do say so, myself.

Photo courtesy of Jo Anslow

Do you remember fondue parties? Well, they're becoming popular, again. The only change I would make from the "old style" fondue parties would be to have individual warming dishes. It's more fun plus it discourages "double dipping."

This recipe looks time consuming but I'm including it because it's simple to make most of the components ahead of time.

For example: the syrup can be made up to two days in advance, covered and chilled in a glass bowl. You could peel and section the oranges one day in advance and keep them chilled in another covered glass bowl. Then it would a simple matter of preparing the pears and assembling the dessert before serving.

Photo courtesy of MarMar

This unusual recipe is from Martha Stewart Living. Martha suggests serving this recipe with plain yogurt and vanilla ice cream. It's a "subtly spiced" dish and pairs well with either the yogurt or the ice cream.

It's at its best if it's served within an hour after it cools. You can poach the rhubarb before dinner, and let it stand while you eat.