Ice cream and popsicles have a tendency to replace pies and other baked goods during the summer. Quicker and cooler works best when the weatherman is constantly warning you of yet another record-setting temperature (and that’s been happening all over the country lately). So what happens when you want to make something a different but don’t want to be left with a (gluten-free) brownie hangover or in a (gluten-free) cake coma?

On Independence Day, Michelle showed you her fabulous American Flag Cake. Now, I’d like to share a couple of light desserts my family makes to stay fresh and cool in the summertime: Jell-O salad and meringue. My aunts have made these desserts since long before any of us had heard of gluten-free, but even now, they are still safe for everyone, even gluten-free friends and family, to enjoy. In fact, half the pan of Jell-O usually vanishes within ten minutes, the culprit(s) mumbling an excuse about how it’s not dessert; it’s a side dish because it’s “fruit.” Even better, there are no worries about substituting ingredients or evading a weird, not-precisely-the-way-I-remember-it texture.

Fruit & Cream Jell-O Salad

Ingredients:

12 oz package Strawberry Jell-O (Yes, it’s gluten-free!)

4 cups boiling water

10 oz. package frozen strawberries

1 13 oz. can crushed pineapple

2 (or more) bananas – diced

Sour cream (1 pint)

Oil spray

• Add Strawberry Jell-O to 4 cups boiling water. Stir.
• Add frozen strawberries and mix until thawed.
• Add crushed pineapple and diced bananas. Mix thoroughly.
• Pour ½ of mixture into oil-sprayed 9×13 pan. Refrigerate.
• When set, spread sour cream on top and add remaining Jell-O. Refrigerate until set.

Meringue Torte

Ingredients:

3 egg whites (1/3-1/2 cup)

¼ tsp cream of tartar

1 cup sugar

• Heat oven to 275º.
• Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually beat in the sugar a little at a time. Beat until very stiff and glossy.
• Spread on heavy brown paper on a baking sheet in an 8 or 9” round – or any desired shape. You could also bake it in a 9” round layer pan with a cutter. Shape with the back of a spoon.
• Bake 60 minutes.
• Turn off oven and leave the meringue in until cool.
• Top with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate or fruit syrup, ice cream, etc.

These summer dessert recipes should keep you cool and your cravings at bay! Do you have any other great summer treats to share?