"The Distinctive Life" Vol. 8 presented by the Distinctive Collection

BOURBON-NECTARINE ICE CREAM SUNDAES WITH POUND-CAKE CROUTONS Described by Food & Wine as “an excellent grown-up version of an ice cream sundae,” this sumptuous summer dessert rests on “lush nectarines cooked in bourbon.” Perfect for when the temperatures rise, this cool dessert features perfectly-buttery pound- cake croutons for a crunchy contrast. It’s truly an intoxicating option!

balanced flavors. The magazine explains: “the dessert gets topped with a mixture of whipped cream and creme fraiche so it’s not too sweet and the perfect counterpoint to the sweet meringue and strawberries.” Serve it with a chilled rosé or crisp Champagne and let the joy of summer (and a delicious dessert) flow over you.

cream he’s mixed with blackberry puree.” Do you have leftover macerated blackberries? Food & Wine offers this insider tip: “The leftover macerating liquid would make a delicious drink mixed with sparkling water or Champagne.” Serve your Blackberry Fool in tall glasses with a side of salted shortbread cookies and get ready for compliments.

BERRIES AND CREAM CONES

When you see a sugar cone, you know that summer has arrived. If you are searching for a way to elevate this summer dessert staple, turn to Martha Stewart Living’s “Berries and Cream Cones” recipe. Not only is it quick – only 15 minutes total – but it is the deliciously sweet answer to a hot summer night for kids and adults. Grab your tall glasses and fill them with sugar cones dipped in melted chocolate (chocolate side up). Once those are properly chilled, you’ll fill them with a heavenly mixture of whisked heavy cream and sugar, as well as a swirled top of fresh berries, like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. It’s sure to be a party favorite! Whether you are hosting a party in your backyard or at a vacation retreat, Food & Wine’s “Summer Plum Crostata” should be on your menu. This elegant tart serves six and is best made from firm-but-ripe plums. Any will do, but chef Kelly Liken favors tart Colorado plums for this crostata dessert. This enticing sweet-yet-tart dish doesn’t require special pans for cooking, and the pastry can be made and refrigerated up to three days before your party – making this almost as practical as it is delicious. SUMMER PLUM CROSTATA

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE SKILLET CAKE

Do you have chocolate lovers on your summer party guest list? Real Simple’s

“Flourless Chocolate Skillet Cake” is the ideal answer to chocolate cravings and can really be served any time of the year. This recipe is excellent for those who have gluten-free diets or are looking for an extraordinary chocolate dessert. And if you want to elevate the cake even more, take Real Simple’s advice and serve it with “coffee (or vanilla, or, what the heck, more chocolate) ice cream” or non-dairy frozen desserts. This recipe feeds up to eight people, but you might want to make two because you know people will want seconds (and thirds)! STRAWBERRY PAVLOVA Strawberry pavlovas are not only a traditional summer dessert favorite but one of the best ways to highlight the season's freshest strawberries. The editors at Real Simple have included it in their list of “must-taste” gluten-free desserts for its exquisitely

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