We’ve got five fresh takes on seasonal summer fruit, from upgraded fruit salads bursting with flavour to no-bake fruit pies. Getting your fruit fix never tasted so good!
1. Quick and Easy Berry Cheesecake Parfait Cup
![Berry topped cheesecake parfait cups on top of a blue counter top.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Quick_and_Easy_Berry_Cheesecake_Parfait_Cup.jpg)
Whip up quick and easy cheesecake flavours with this clever cream cheese, sour cream, and fresh berry parfait recipe that’s ready when unexpected guests drop by or you need a dessert, fast!
- To make 4 servings: Mash ½ cup (125 mL) blackberries, 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice and 1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar; stir in ½ cup (125 mL) more blackberries and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir ¾ cup (175 mL) graham cracker crumbs and 2 tbsp (30 mL) melted butter until mixture is moistened; divide among 4 tall, pretty glasses, pressing firmly.
- Whip 1 cup (250 mL) softened cream cheese, ½ cup (125 mL) sour cream, ¼ cup (60 mL) granulated sugar and 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice until very light; spoon over graham bases.
- Top with blackberry mixture and 1 cup (250 mL) blueberries and cherries or raspberries. Serve and take a bow!
2. Watermelon, two ways
![Watermelon slices cut out as triangles on a watermelon shell for easy eating.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Watermelon.jpg)
This first tip is all about the convenience of picking up precut watermelon quarters in-store and presenting it in a fun way to create watermelon boats. Using a large knife, slice under red flesh, just above white part of rind. The flesh will be loose but leave in place. Slice flesh. You can even push them into a pretty zigzag pattern. The watermelon is peel-free for eating and the attractive green shell acts as a holder.
The second hack features cubed watermelon “ice cubes” that make this decidedly adult slushie-style margarita, a new summer must-have.
3. Grilled Peach Crisp with Oat Crumble
![Two grilled peach crisps topped with oat crumble sitting on a blue plate and one sitting on a dark green plate with an ice cream scoop.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Grilled_Peach_Crisp_with_Oat_Crumble.jpg)
Give ripe seasonal stone fruit a sweet twist this summer. Take peaches in a different direction with this flavourful Grilled Peach Crisp with Oat Crumble, served in a waffle cup, topped with an easy oat crumble and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s like being in a peach orchard on a warm summer’s day, only better!
- To make the Oat Crumble, in a bowl, stir ⅔ cup (150 mL) large-flake oats, ½ cup (125 mL) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (60 mL) packed light brown sugar, ¼ tsp (1 mL) each cinnamon and salt.
- Using fingers, rub in 5 tbsp (75 mL) cold cubed unsalted butter until crumbs form; spread on baking sheet.
- Bake in (180°C) 350°F oven until golden brown and crisp, 12 to 15 min
- To make the peaches, rub 2 halved peaches with 2 tsp (10 mL) packed light brown sugar and grill, cut side down, over medium-high heat, flipping once, until lightly caramelized, 1 to 2 min. per side.
- To finish, serve with vanilla ice cream in a waffle cup with the crumble on top.
4. Strawberry Margherita Pizza
![Strawberry Margherita pizza sliced and set on top of a bright green plate, over a blue counter top.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Strawberry-Margherita-Pizza.jpg)
Make the most of seasonal strawberries with this inspired take on a pizza. Think of a Caprese-style salad, only replace the tomatoes with fresh strawberry slices, served on a pizza.
- In a small saucepan, boil ⅓ cup (75 mL) balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp (30 mL) packed brown sugar until reduced to 3 tbsp (45 mL), about 6 to 8 min; let cool.
- On a floured parchment paper square, press and stretch 1 lb (450 g) prepared pizza dough at room temperature to 14-in. (35 cm) round.
- Drizzle with 2 tbsp (30 mL) cooled balsamic reduction; top with 1½ cups (375 mL) grated mozzarella and 6 sliced strawberries.
- Bake in 240°C (475°F) oven on preheated pizza stone or heavy baking sheet until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling, about 13 min.
- Top with ¼ cup (60 mL) crumbled soft feta cheese; return to oven for 2 to 3 min. Garnish with basil and and drizzle with the remaining balsamic reduction, if desired. Serve to appreciative oohs and aahs.
5. Fresh fruit kabobs and dip hack
![Threaded pieces of fruit including strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi fruit on a blue and white plate.](/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/fruit_kabobs.jpg)
This one couldn’t be easier. Thread our Kitchen Dept.’s Grab n Go Tray’s pineapple, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and strawberry pieces onto skewers. Now you’re ready to dive into the easiest yogurt dip hack: Simply mix 2 Compliments berry yogurt cups until smooth and transfer to a small bowl. Kid-friendly, too!