8 treats that are extra special in summer
Happy hours on the patio. Saturday afternoons spent sunbathing. Outdoor concerts. Summer brings with it a whole slew of potential social activities. Summer also gives you a great excuse to enjoy some of your favorite frosty treats and in-season fruits. Here are quintessential summer treats that you should savor before the season ends.
- A slice of watermelon.
Watermelon season runs from May to September, so expect to see the juicy fruit dominate your grocery store this summer. Take full advantage of its prevalence (and cheaper prices) and enjoy a slice of watermelon this summer by the pool or at the park. - A melty ice cream cone.
Of course, you can enjoy ice cream year-round. But there’s something about racing against the sunshine as it threatens to turn your treat into a puddle that makes an ice cream cone that much more appealing. Walk to a nearby ice cream shop and treat yourself to a simple cone of soft-serve vanilla or chocolate. - This crab and heirloom tomato salad.
You don’t have to fire up the oven to craft this crab salad, which looks lavish despite its simple preparation. Combine jumbo lump crab meat with sliced sweet bell peppers, shallot, and jalapeno, then toss the blend in a mayo-based dressing. Arrange the crab salad atop sliced heirloom tomatoes with a drizzle of EVOO and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. - A classic popsicle.
When you were a kid, you probably had a go-to popsicle. Maybe it was a freeze pop. Perhaps you went for a creamsicle or a push-pop. Maybe you were more of a fudgsicle person. Summer is the time to recapture your childhood by indulging in a popsicle, no matter how age-inappropriate it may be. Treat yourself to a box of your faves. Or, better yet, buy one from an ice cream truck. - A cup of chilled creamy cucumber soup.
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean soup is off the table. This chilled, no-cook cucumber soup very much belongs on your summertime table. Fill your food processor with fresh cucumber and plain Greek yogurt, plus a dash of honey, garlic, lemon, and dill. Blend it to smooth, and then garnish your bowl with a sprig of dill and enjoy the creamy creation. - Some Italian ice.
A fruity spoonful of classic Italian ice is also a great way to celebrate the warmer temperatures of summer. Grab a cup at your favorite dessert shop or pick up some cups at the grocery store to stick in your fridge and enjoy on balmy summer evenings. - A Kool-Aid slushie.
Memories of your childhood summer breaks are probably punctuated by an ever-present glass of Kool-Aid. It was the go-to refreshment for many youngsters back in the day. You can still enjoy this signature summertime treat in slushie form. Simply whip up a batch and blend it with ice for a sweet summer indulgence. - Berries with whipped cream.
Celebrate the season by incorporating summertime fruits into your dessert. Create a base of strawberries, blueberries, or any other seasonal fruit you love and add a dollop of whipped topping (bonus points if you make your own) for a light and sweet snack.