Five Desserts We Enjoyed This Summer

 

Today as I'm linking up with Amy at Love Made My Home for Five on Friday, I decided to share photos of five desserts I enjoyed this past summer. 

In truth these past few months I had more than my fair share of delicious desserts. Some were made in my own kitchen -- fruit cobblers, lemon loaves, gingersnaps, pineapple cake with vanilla sauce, ice cream with hot fudge and pecans -- while others were enjoyed elsewhere.

While we were in BC,  we had the fun of having lunch at Government House in Victoria, BC one afternoon after we toured a lovely garden. Warm and sunny out, there was an excitement in the air around the beautiful grounds as there was a big tea party going on to mark the day Queen Elizabeth II became Britain's longest-reigning monarch. The 89-year-old monarch surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who ruled for 63 years and 216 days.

Although we weren't part of that particular festivity, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch, after which hubby and I shared this delectable carrot cake topped with cream cheese icing and decorated with fresh fruit, including one round orange persimmon tucked under its parchment-like leaves. It all looked so pretty, we hated to dig in. But we bravely took forks in hand and slowly savoured every bite... without shame or guilt.  Paired with a black Ceylon tea, the combo was tea party p-e-r-f-e-c-t.

 

"Vegetables are a must on a diet.

I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread and pumpkin pie."

~ Jim Davis

"Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty."

~ Lora Brody

While we were in BC, we had the happy opportunity to celebrate a great-nephew's 12th birthday. His dad, being the head chef in a popular restaurant in Chilliwack, made us the most exquisite chocolate mousse cake I've ever had the privilege of sinking my teeth into. With a hint of raspberry coulis on the side -- you know how lovely chocolate and raspberry go together -- it was m-m-m good.

"Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It's all about the memories." ~ Buddy Valastro

Earlier this summer, we had the very happy privilege to gather with loved ones to celebrate my dear mom's 80th's birthday. My dear niece made and decorated this exquisite cake ... moist white vanilla cake layered with chocolate ganache ... it was a cake most elegant for celebrating such a grand birthday.

 

"A party without cake is just a meeting."

~ Julia Child

 Along with the cake, my niece made these toothsome cupcakes. Of course, I had to try one of those too, but I did have the 'wisdom' to wait until the next day. A little dessert seems too little, but we all know what we feel like when it's too much -- I didn't want to spoil the effect. 

We end our collection of five with this summer favourite, for who doesn't love a dessert of fresh rhubarb, oatmeal, sugar and cinnamon (with just a hint of clove) ... hot from the oven on a cool summer's evening. Topped with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream, it's not fancy but it sure is homey, comforting, and sooo satisfying. I love it when the ice cream melts into the warm fruit.

"You never forget a beautiful thing that you have made,' [Chef Bugnard] said. 'Even after you eat it, it stays with you - always." ~ Julia Child, My Life in France

Wishing sweets to the sweet,

Hugs,

Brenda

xox