Sweet Spring Desserts

The Kentucky Derby signifies  that Spring is here. However the season is also signified by light and airy desserts, perfect for picnics and gatherings. There are some lovely  desserts that fit right in with the balmy breezes and warm, sunny days.

Of course most people celebrating the Derby will be having the traditional chocolate chip pecan pie. This is a heady mix of nuts and chocolate chips, with the added luxury of a cup of melted butter. It is rich but perfect not just to celebrate The Run For The Roses, but also at graduation parties and bridal showers.(especially if you;re throwing a Southern themed one).Another rich Southern dessert that's perfect for now is strawberry shortcake. In some areas the strawberries are getting their first blush of color so they're literally ripe for the picking and a flavorful filling. They are perfect stuffing homemade  biscuits topped with a hand whipped cream. You can also sub in fresh made vanilla ice cream instead of the cream.

Spring also means cakes that use the first of the garden's ingredients. This may be a light lemon or orange cake with just a dusting of powdered sugar. Another feather weight  dessert is angel food cake.  This airy bit of fluff is made with just egg whites. This can also be used to create a strawberry shortcake but also is good with sliced peaches when they arrive later in the season along with blueberries.Macarons are another apt dessert for the season. Granted they are trendy right now but still perfect as the perfect end to a Spring meal. Like the angel food cake, it's made solely with sugar and whipped egg whites with almonds to give it flavor and crunch.

The Kentucky Derby means Spring is officially here. Celebrate it with the desserts of the season as well, whether they be the richly decadent chocolate chip pecan pie or the light as a cloud angel food cake. Either one would be a lovely dessert on a warm May evening.