Well, Friday is the official first day of autumn. All the glorious bright colors of summer are being toasted and tumbled into warmer shades of pumpkin and sienna. Citrus flavors are now replaced with cinnamon and spice. But I still savor recollections of delicious sweet treats from this summer enjoyed by family and friends during lazy afternoons on the deck and late night treats. 

One very easy dessert can either be made with store-bought angel food cake or two layers of simple vanilla cake from a mix. I prepared two vanilla rounds, one large for the bottom and a smaller layer to place on top. A rainbow of cut fruit - strawberries, blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, peaches, cantaloupe and blueberries - cascade atop layers of fresh whipped cream, creating a light and flavorful treat, especially after a satisfying meal. For easy homemade whipped cream, simply whisk in a cold metal bowl 2 cups of cold heavy cream, 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, and immediately scoop out onto the cake with a spatula.

This cake needs to be devoured immediately after assembly for any left-overs will not keep in the fridge, becoming a soggy mess over time. Usually preparing this for larger dinner parties, the expectation is to consume every bite, and we did, many guests requesting seconds until the last slice disappeared.

The second big hit this summer was prepared during the last few weeks of August with a bounty of fresh peaches. Accustomed to always making fruit pies with fall favorites, I gingerly swapped the apples, and this time a winning slice was worth a wait.

This was my first try with peaches, and the result was swimming in an abundance of syrup out of the oven and throughout the first day! We needed to wait for a bit, but oh wow, what a delight! Using Martha Stewart's pate brisee recipe is a guaranteed win, but whenever I get lazy, Pillsbury pie crust does the trick in a jiffy. Sometimes semi-homemade is just as delicious. Either way, lattice top always makes a pretty presentation.

Ah, such sweet summer memories. My friends, I bid you adieu until we meet again... xoxo-Sonya