A Sweet Way To End The Night....

Amelia lives for dessert. Doesn't really matter what it is, but she barley finishes her last bite of dinner before she is asking if she can go get something sweet. I could take it or leave it. I would much rather enjoy a nice plate of cheese and fruit as my dessert. Lately, I have been trying come up with some lighter dessert options. Banana Ice Cream, Watermelon and Cantaloupe with Mint, and Tropical Parfaits have been a hit so far. I love them because they take just a few minutes to prepare. Enjoy :)

Banana Ice Cream

4 large bananas; peeled and sliced
1/4 cup chocolate chips
3 tablespoons of fresh fruit ( I used Champagne Mangos )

Place banana slices on a plate and freeze for 2 hours.

Remove and put into a food processor with all but three tablespoons of the chocolate chips. Turn on and mix until creamy. Put into a cup or bowl and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and fruit.

Minty Watermelon & Cantaloupe

1 small cantaloupe
1 small seedless watermelon
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoon fresh mint; chopped

In a small sauce pan, combine the water and sugar. Cook, over medium heat, until the sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into a glass measuring cup and place in the fridge. Cool completely.

When mixture is cooling. cut watermelon and cantaloupe in half. Using a melon baller, scoop out the fruit. Place in a bowl. Add the cooled simple sugar mixture and mint. Mix together. Garnish with fresh mint.

Tropical Parfaits

2 mangos; chopped
1 cup pineapple, chopped
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons chopped Macadamia nuts


In a mixer, combine the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat on medium low speed for 2 minutes. Then, turn the speed up and mix until peaks have formed.

In a cup or bowl, layer the fruit, whipped cream, and nuts until filled to the top. Garnish with nuts and fresh mint.