Dessert is a course that concludes a meal; and for some people no meal is complete without it. These desserts are just enough for one or two.
Strawberry Shortcake
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ Tbsp. butter – optional
- 2 wedges of angel food cake, each 1″thick
Mix strawberries with vinegar and pepper and marinate 10-15 minutes. Heat grill, stovetop grill pan or non-stick pan until hot. If using the pan, add the butter; if grilling omit the butter entirely. Add the cake slices and cook until caramelized and toasted. Transfer to 2 dessert plates. Top with the strawberries, their liquid and a spoonful of whipped cream.
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Espresso Granita
- 1 cup espresso or very strong brewed coffee , warmed
- ¼ cup sugar
- light whipped cream
- ¼ cup shaved dark chocolate
Combine the espresso with the sugar, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Pour the mixture into a shallow metal baking pan (there should be at least an inch of liquid) place in the freezer. After 15-20 minutes, just as the mixture has begun to freeze, remove the dish from the freezer. Use a fork to carefully scrape the ice crystals developing on the surface. You will want a light, almost creamy granita. Repeat this step once every 30-45 minutes until the granita is entirely frozen. For each serving, place a small scoop of the granita in a chilled wine glass. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a bit of the chocolate shavings. Repeat with a second layer.
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Banana-Rum Splits
- ¼ Tbsp. butter
- 1 banana
- ½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. dark rum or bourbon – optional
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1-2 Tbsp. toasted chopped pecans
- 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the banana in half crosswise, then lengthwise. Place the banana quarters in the hot pan with the brown sugar and cook on one side until deeply caramelized, about 2 minutes. Turn bananas over and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and slowly add the rum. Be careful as the alcohol can still ignite. Place 2 banana quarters and some of the liquid into each of 2 bowls. Top with a scoop of ice cream, nuts, chocolate syrup or fudge and whipped cream.
More desserts for one or two will be added as I sample them.
