Semifredo in Italian means “half frozen” or “half soft.” This is the sublimely delicious dessert is the perfect ode to summer. Once prepared, you pop in your freezer to freeze; then, it’s ready to serve, waiting for you to slice it and top it with some shaved chocolate. It’s elegant and whimsical at the same time. I jokingly think the clouds in heaven must taste like this. Here’s to hoping all your outdoor entertaining is a slice of heaven!

Have you noticed everywhere you look there’s pumpkin? Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin lattes–pumpkin spice everything! So, we’re joining the bandwagon and making our version of pumpkin spiced crème brûlée. To me, this is the best of the pumpkin pie–that classic pumpkin spice filling made into a custard and then sprinkled with sugar and toasted to make that hard candy crust. I know it’s crazy, but this desert seems so light and totally decadent at the same time! It’s an absolutely heavenly way to end a beautiful Thanksgiving meal.

Whether you spell it with an “s” or not, this simple, elegant, and versatile dessert with a basic batter that, when cooked, turns into a creamy, dense, flan-like custard. The choices of fruits are as varied as the seasons. Out of the oven, the top is puffy and brown. When served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, it is sure to soften the blow of summer ending.