Buckle Up!

Have a few leftover blueberries in your refrigerator? Why not use them in this tasty, summertime treat - a Blueberry Buckle. Buckles are a type "cakey cobbler" with a crumble, streusel topping. As it bakes, cracks and crevices form, "buckling" the cake as it rises. This particular buckle recipe can be found on marthastewart.com. Mike baked this in a springform pan and served it with sweetened creme fraiche (heavy whipping cream, sour cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla). It made for a perfect mid-week dessert.

Cobbler - Peach & Blueberry Style

Mike went a little crazy with the cobbler dough, here. Underneath this sugar-sanded, cream and butter-based topping are sliced peaches and sweet blueberries. Taken from a recipe from Martha Stewart, this cobbler makes good use of the Martha Stewart Collection "Oven to Table" bakeware, available at Macy's. A dollop of vanilla ice cream, fresh-whipped cream or even creme fraiche would top this dessert off perfectly!

Bars and More Bars

Mike celebrates the first weeks of summer with Blackberry Almond Shortbread Squares (from Martha Stewart's 2004 Annual Recipes) and Raspberry Bars.  Both incorporate a shortbread-based crust and streusel toppings that adds a sweet crunch. The blackberries are tossed with orange zest and the Raspberry Bars have a cup of fresh raspberries mixed with preserves as the filling. Perfect with a cold glass or sun tea or freshly-squeezed lemonade!

A SweetTart!

Fresh raspberries, cool, rich pastry cream and a pecan tart shell. Mike adapted this recipe from a variety of Martha Stewart "sources". A filling of pastry cream with honey from Everyday Food, a pecan tart shell from Martha Stewart's Pies & Tarts, and ripe raspberries... from nature. All three combine to form the perfect summer tart. A dollop of creme fraiche or whipping cream adds that final sweet touch!

Apricots make great tarts!

A perfect tart for the summer season! Elaine's Apricot Tart recipe (taken from the June issue of Everyday Food) shows just how easy this tart can be made. The fluted crust couldn't be easier (no rolling), just mix and press. A delicious filling of pastry cream (made with honey) and topped with sliced apricots finish it off in style.

Claudine's Delicious Salute!

How fitting for the Fourth of July, than to unveil a marvelous Red, White & Blue Tart. Claudine recreated this Martha Stewart classic recipe, a spectacular display of color, texture and taste. This dessert features fresh blueberries and raspberries, sitting atop a luscious creme fraiche filling. The long, rectangular tart shell shows off this holiday dessert in true patriotic style. Magnifique!

Elaine's Peach Cobbler - Just "Peachy"!

What a Peach! Elaine made good use of a neighbor's gift of peaches with this traditional summertime Peach Cobbler (a recipe available at marthastewart.com). Made with cinnamon, dark brown sugar and of course, the best peaches, who couldn't resist a bowlful of this delectable dessert. All that's missing is a nice, cold scoop of vanilla ice cream!