Summer Berry Mini Tarts

For the first time in a long time, we are spending the Fourth of July in the U.S., and it feels great to be part of our nationwide birthday celebration.

Cherry Phyllo Tartlets with Lemon Mascarpone Cream

A while back, I made some phyllo tartlets with some of the first fresh strawberries of the season and loved them for both their flavor and ease. I recently made some with cherries, after cooking them slightly and making a simple syrup from their juices. The tart-sweet cherries combined with the lemon mascarpone cream reminded me of a cheesecake, and the crisp phyllo gave it a great crunch. Just three bites and I was reaching for another one…

Rhubarb-Strawberry-Ginger Sorbet

Photo by James Ransom

I entered this recipe in a Whole Foods Market Cooking contest for “Your Best Rhubarb Recipe” and won! One of the best things about winning was having my sorbet tested and then photographed so beautifully by the talented James Ransom (above photo). I’m thrilled, and grateful to fellow blogger Suzanne @ A Pug in the Kitchen for encouraging me to enter the contest! Here’s my original blog posting:

Strawberry Phyllo Tartlets with Lemon Mascarpone Cream

Crispy phyllo shells, lemony mascarpone filling, fresh strawberries — and the best part is that these little treats couldn’t be simpler. Great for a spring get-together, and you can mix up the topping with other seasonal fruit for an even more colorful presentation. Enjoy!

Lemon Tart with Coconut Shortbread Crust

Ginger Peach Mascarpone Tart

What can you do when you have perfectly ripe peaches, some leftover ginger drizzle, and a hankering for something creamy, crumbly, and sweet? Make a peach tart with a shortbread crust, mascarpone filling, and a ginger glaze on top!