Stratford University Dishes Up Tips On Summer Desserts To Die For

Summer is here, and what that means for many people is desserts to die for. But it doesn't mean that ovens will need to be turned on or that someone will need to spend hours in a hot kitchen. From ice cream to no-bake pies, there is something to please every palate, this summer, and preparation may be easier, and cooler, than you think.

"Creating seasonal desserts is always exciting," says Charleen Huebner, Bakery and Pastry Arts Program Coordinator in Stratford University's culinary and hospitality department. "There are so many refreshing desserts that can be made. They compliment many of the traditional summer meals people like to eat, and they always please a crowd."

Summer provides great opportunities for getting creative with desserts. There are BBQ's, picnics, and birthdays, as well as parties and just relaxing at home on the porch. For great summer dessert options, consider the following options:
� Panna cotta. This fancy and flavorful Italian dessert is made from sugar, milk, cream and gelatin. Once it has cooled and set, it is usually served with a fruit sauce, chocolate, caramel, or fruit coulis.
� Gelato. This Italian ice cream is rich with history and a favorite for many. It is usually made with things like fruit, nuts, chocolate, or cookies. This cool treat will add a twist of flavor for summer ice cream lovers.
� Fresh fruit pops. This easy, yet simple, route to summer flavor creates a healthy treat for both kids and adults. Just take chunks of fresh fruit, then make a skewer out of the pieces, using wooden popsicle sticks. Next, lightly brush with a mixture of orange juice and honey, and freeze. Try using locally grown fruits for an added environmental benefit.

� No-bake options. You can easily avoid heating up the oven when creating tasty treats, this summer. There are many no-bake options, even for creating tarts and fruit pies. A quick online search for no-bake pies will yield some recipes.
� Grilled fruit. If you haven't tried it before, now is the time! Grilling fruit is a great way to bring out the flavors and create a refreshing addition to any cookout. Take favorite cuts of your fruits, including bananas and pineapple, lightly sprinkle them with sugar, and place on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

For a great summer dessert, give this recipe a try:
Lemon(or Lime) Tart

4 oz Butter, melted
2 Tbsp Lemon zest (or Lime zest)
� cup Sugar*
1 � cup All Purpose Flour
1/8 tsp Salt
6 ea Eggs
8 oz Lemon Juice (or Lime Juice)
4 oz Heavy Cream, soft whipped

Crust:
Melt butter and add 1 Tbsp of the lemon zest
In a bowl, combine flour, salt and * � cup sugar
Add butter mixture to flour and combine
Place in a sprayed tart pan and press the dough in
Prebake in a 325 F convection oven until light brown

Filling:
Combine eggs and *� cup sugar, whisk till combined
Add lemon juice and gently fold in the whipped cream
Bake in a 275 F oven till set (approximately 30-40 minutes)

Let cool, then top with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. Dust with powdered sugar. If made with lime juice, you can top tart with sweetened whipped cream and toasted coconut. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

"Whether you are preparing desserts using the oven, the grill, or the freezer, there are many options," added Huebner. "The important thing is not to let the summer go by without creating something tasty to share with your family and guests."

About Stratford University:
Stratford University operates campuses in Tysons Corner and Woodbridge. It offers 25 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technol