Pumpkin spice already?! Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, amongst many others, announced the return of their Pumpkin Spice offerings, and we’re not even done with August! I will admit I am a huge pumpkin spice fan (Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice latte is my absolute favorite!), however let’s enjoy the end of summer and the first few weeks of September by celebrating the flavors of the summer.
Blueberry. Blueberry pie was my Grandmother’s favorite flavor. Blueberry sauce, jam, smoothies, muffins, the possibilities are endless! In baking, be cautious when adding blueberries otherwise not in the recipe, as they will add moisture and can potentially effect bake time. Blueberry lemon muffins make for a tasty weekend breakfast.
Coconut. Although a bit less popular in the states than the aforementioned flavors, coconut is common place amongst the Caribbean Islands. Coconut oil is now becoming more and more popular, replacing the likes of olive oil and even vegetable. Coconut oil is known for raising your good cholesterol, due to the fatty acid composition. Health benefits aside, try substituting coconut oil the next time your vanilla cake calls for vegetable oil. Sprinkle shredded coconut on ice cream, or throw some into your brownie batter the next time you have a sweet tooth.
Corn. This American summertime classic is enjoyed best on the cob, smothered in butter. Or perhaps you like your corn served on the stick with some old bay seasoning from the local county fair. Both great choices! Have you ever thought of corn in a baked dish? A corn dip, corn fritters, or even corn pancakes. Clean cooked kernels off of the cob and drop into waffle or pancake batter. The corn will provide a pop of freshness to your breakfast cake, as well as a bit of freshness! Take it to the next level with corn ice cream! A fun summer twist that you wouldn’t normally expect. Check out your local mom and pop ice cream shop to see if they’ve picked up on this summer trend!
Watermelon. Growing up we used to have a watermelon pit spitting contest on my Grandma’s front lawn. Nowadays they come seedless which is convenient and less messy! Puree watermelon to include in an icing or whipped cream, taking care not to overload on the liquids as this may cause your icing to break. Pair with vanilla, strawberry, and blueberries, laced over a slice of pound cake. Nothing says summer like fresh watermelon!
With fall closing in, its inevitable we will be bombarded with pumpkin, and before you know it, the Christmas season will be upon us and peppermint will be all the buzz! I hope you take some time to savor these last few weeks of summer, and enjoy all the flavors this wonderful season has to offer! Check back with us at the end of the summer to catch a glimpse of our fall flavors! Thanks for stopping by!
-Sweetini's