Try these sweet and savory spreads for easy, healthyish summer entertaining before the warm weather disappears.

Warm days and crisp nights- this is my favorite time of year in Pittsburgh. It’s also the time of year when I realize summer is slipping through my fingertips, and I better take advantage of what remains. It’s time to make the end-of-summer bucket list: lounge by the pool, find a new park to explore with the pup, hit the farmer’s market, and make plans with friends.

It’s time for late summer entertaining, but to avoid any possible excuses, it’s time for easy late summer entertaining. Though I love me a cheeseboard or charcuterie spread, this is the time of year to take advantage of fresh produce. Tomatoes taste their sweetest, corn is ready to harvest, and our friends Blue Moose of Boulder make unique, preservative-free spreads that transform veggies and legumes into a the vibrant focal point of a gathering.

To create a Savory Spread, try these combinations:

Grilled Romaine Hearts +  Pesto
Grilled Sweet Corn + Red Pepper Artichoke Cheddar Spread
Grilled Carrots or Grilled Bell Peppers + Green Chile Cheddar Spread
Edamame
Chickpeas with Harissa
Cheddar Breadsticks
Multigrain crackers
Green beans
Heirloom tomatoes

While you’re grilling all those veggies, consider grilling some fruit for a Healthyish cake topper, or pull out a show-stopping dessert spread.

The variety of organic toppings in the Healthyish baking kits makes it fun and easy to create an impressive dessert spread for a night with friends or family. Want to add even more dessert choices for a sweet finale to summer entertaining?

Consider these options for a Sweet Spread:

Assorted nuts
Toasted coconut
Cherries
Peaches/stone fruit
White/Dark Chocolate
Graham crackers
Fresh mint
Soft cheeses (for those fools who don’t like cake)
Sea salt (perfect with Healthyish’s dark chocolate frosting)

For a twist on Healthyish’s classic frosting options, try the Fig Spread from Blue Moose of Boulder garnished with a dash of cinnamon.

Healthyish cakes are perfectly portioned for one, but it’s more fun to share dessert. Start baking, fire up the grill, and relish those last few weeks of late nights on the deck, pink sunsets, good food and good friends.

Author: Quelcy

Quelcy is a Pittsburgh based food stylist, photographer, dessert advocate and crazy dog lady. She shares seasonally inspired recipes rooted in nostalgia on her blog, WithTheGrains.com. Her favorite Healthish combo is tangy lemon cake with a dollop of dark chocolate frosting.

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