Use “In Season” For Springtime Desserts

Eating seasonally means buying produce that can be grown locally, in their natural weather and climate conditions. When buying produce in season, you are not only getting fruits and vegetables at their peak of flavor, you are also getting the best price! Try incorporating a few of the “in season” produce items from your local market into your weekly menu. This includes desserts.

Make some healthy, delicious springtime desserts with in-season ingredients like lemon, berries, rhubarb, cherries and herbs. A great way to celebrate spring.

This Olive Oil Cornmeal Cake with Strawberry Sauce can fit any occasion, whether you are entertaining guests or as a delicious ending to a family dinner.

Olive Oil Cornmeal Cake with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
• Strawberry Sauce, (recipe below)
• Fresh basil leaves and fresh sliced strawberries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8 x 1-1/2-inch round cake pan; set aside.

In a medium bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, milk and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture and snipped basil until combined.

Pour batter into prepared cake pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Remove the cake from the pan. Turn the cake, sugar side up. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To serve, cut the cake into wedges. Serve with Strawberry Sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves and  fresh sliced strawberries.

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Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

Directions:

In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries and  white balsamic vinegar. Cover and blend or process until smooth.

Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving.

What are your favorite springtime desserts?

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