When Better Homes and Gardens magazine embarked on the journey of asking its readers to name their favorite BHG recipe, one particular dessert recipe emerged as a clear favorite among many. This dessert is a harmonious blend of two fruits, creating a juicy symphony that tantalizes the taste buds. The topping, described as “so fluffy”, adds an extra layer of decadence to the already delicious concoction.
What makes this dessert so special is the versatility it offers. Whether you choose to use fresh or frozen fruits, the end result is equally mouth - watering. Fresh fruits bring a vibrant, natural flavor and a crisp texture. Imagine biting into a piece of ripe, juicy strawberry or a sweet, succulent peach. The natural sugars in fresh fruits are at their peak, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert. On the other hand, frozen fruits are a convenient option. They are available year - round and can be easily stored in the freezer. When used in this dessert, they thaw and release their juices, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
The combination of two fruits in this dessert is a masterstroke. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor profile to the table. For example, if you pair strawberries with blueberries, the sweet and slightly tart taste of strawberries complements the earthy, sweet flavor of blueberries. The contrast in colors also makes the dessert visually appealing. The bright red of the strawberries and the deep blue of the blueberries create a beautiful mosaic in the dish.
The “so fluffy” topping is the crowning glory of this dessert. It has a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. It could be a crumbly streusel made from a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and spices. The buttery aroma of the streusel wafts through the air as the dessert bakes in the oven, making your kitchen smell like a bakery. As you take a bite, the crunchy streusel gives way to the juicy fruit filling, creating a perfect balance of textures.
This dessert is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make. You don't need to be a professional baker to whip up this treat. All you need are a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills. First, prepare the fruit filling by combining the two fruits with a little sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. The sugar helps to draw out the juices from the fruits, while the cornstarch thickens the filling. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang.
Next, make the topping. If it's a streusel topping, simply mix the flour, sugar, butter, and any desired spices in a bowl until it forms a crumbly texture. You can use a fork or your hands to combine the ingredients. Once the filling and topping are ready, pour the fruit filling into a baking dish and sprinkle the topping evenly over it.
Then, pop the dish into a pre - heated oven and let it bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The baking time may vary depending on the type of fruits used and the size of the baking dish. But generally, it takes about 30 - 40 minutes.
As the dessert cools slightly, the flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious treat. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy ice cream or whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, juicy dessert, making it a perfect ending to a meal.
In conclusion, this dual - fruit dessert with its fluffy topping is a true gem in the world of desserts and baking. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, as evidenced by the many readers who nominated it as their favorite BHG recipe. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, a party, or just for yourself, this dessert is sure to be a hit.
