4 Easy Citrus Desserts

The healthy Mediterranean diet doesn't mean you can't indulge once in a while! Some of my favorite desserts, especially now during the summer, are made with the delicious sweets from Citrus Chios. Those of you who've been following my Zelos journey from the start know that the island of Chios has a special place in my heart - my husband is from there and it's become our summer home over the years. There's a special part of the island called the Kambos, where Citrus' heritage began - you can read more about it in my Postcard from Chios.

But back to desserts! Here are four easy recipes that you can try with your favorite product, whether it's the classic Greek Sour Cherry, or fragrant Chian Tangerine Peel, or the rare, limited edition Rose Petal - these luscious recipes work with any Citrus treat you like...or you can just go back to basics and have a little spoonful with your coffee and leave it at that!

1. Citrus Spoon Sweet Dessert with Greek Yogurt and Gelatin

There are all kinds of recipes for this summery, low-calorie, guilt-free dessert but I refuse to mix up all the fruit, yogurt, and gelatin, like so many of the recipes do. Take a look at what I came up with, playing with opaque and transparent layers and the fragrance and crunch from the Bergamot Spoon Sweet (that's the fruit whose oil enhances Earl Grey Tea!). You'll get a good dose of calcium and protein, thanks to the rich Greek yogurt, and a light refreshing texture from the gelatin. Find the full recipe here: Citrus Spoon Sweet Dessert with Greek Yogurt and Gelatin.

2. Panna Cotta with Citrus' Chian Tangerine Spoon Sweet

One of my favorite ways to enjoy Greek spoon sweets is to top an Italian panna cotta. Lighter than flan, since there are no eggs, panna cotta is one of the easiest desserts to make - and it always looks good for a party! Most people just top with syrup or jam but I like the added texture that comes with the Chian Tangerine spoon sweet, with those pieces of fruit peel taking it to an all-new level. Try out and let us know what you think!

3. Homemade Tarts with Rose Petal Preserves

Cincinnati-based photographer, Elizabeth Lowry, shared her rose tarts recipe and gorgeous pictures with us earlier this year. I loved the blend of Scandinavian and Mediterranean inspiration and was surprised at how easy they were to make. The limited-edition Rose Petal Spoon Sweet make these an extra-special dessert, perfect for an afternoon tea. This is a fun dessert to make with your kids...give it a try! 

4. Flourless Chocolate Cake with Citrus fruit preserves

This wouldn't be a proper dessert blog without at least one chocolate dessert! If you love Viennese Sacher Torte, you'll love this rich, gluten-free cake even more, especially if you use one of the chunky citrus fruit spoon sweets, instead of the Chian Tangerine Marmalade I'd originally used...or you can play on the traditional Black Forest Cake recipes and top this with Citrus Chios Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet. Try this luscious flourless chocolate cake recipe here.

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