531799 Mon Jun 23 08:48:47 -0700 2008 4 31 Home Cooking 0 3804776 Hi all, I'm something of a novice chef/baker, and I love to use generous amounts of spices in my cooking and baking of sweet things. However, I've come to realize that cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, et cetera, tend to give foods a decidedly autumnal feel, and I'd really like to be able to adjust my seasoning practices to reflect, well, the seasons. Can anyone suggest some esoteric - or just surprising - spices/seasonings that make for actively "summery" desserts? For example, what could I use in a peach cobbler so that it will taste like it should be served on a veranda rather than in front of a crackling fire? In advance, thanks! Rachel Mon Jun 23 08:48:50 -0700 2008 203011 ROfTheWeek 1 3804863 Lavender! Either the dried buds (a few of these go a long way! - wiz up in a spice grinder and add to your sugar) or the tender green leaves (not as intense, so you can just mince some up and toss with the peaches. Mon Jun 23 09:14:33 -0700 2008 3804776 15687 PamelaD 1 3804895 A judicious use of chilies can perk up chocolate or grilled fruit for an exotic taste reminiscent of Mexico or Southeast Asia. Cardamom also has a bright flavor that lends itself well to sweets. I think it's worth noting that the warm spices you think of as "autumnal" make up apple pie spice, so it might be a mental association that makes you perceive those spices as you do. Mon Jun 23 09:24:37 -0700 2008 3804776 68363 JungMann 1 3805145 Cinnamon on its own is not particularly autumnal, and would be fine for fruit desserts. Almond extract/amaretto. Mint and citrus (not for the peach cobbler). Ginger - the sweet/sour pickled ginger served with sushi would be great on fruit sorbets or vanilla ice cream, and with fresh citrus, peaches, pears. Schnapps in flavors like pear and peach can be splashed onto fresh fruit desserts to boost flavor and add a little sophistication. Mince good-quality dried fruit and stir into batters, sauces, or ice cream. Mix fresh blueberries with halved green grapes and sliced kiwi, stir in sugar to taste and let it macerate. When syrupy, this fruit looks like glistening jewels. Mon Jun 23 10:26:53 -0700 2008 3804776 159317 greygarious 1 3809935 Thanks, everyone - this was terrific! Tue Jun 24 13:39:38 -0700 2008 3804776 203011 ROfTheWeek