Ginger Fruit with Pineapple Sherbet

Some flavors are just quintessentially "summer." Citrus flavors tend to be most popular and can show up in both savory and sweet applications. This is a delectably tasty cold treat, sure to perk up everyone's taste buds and leaving palates cleansed. The refreshing tang of ginger combines with fruit and notes of vanilla along with creamy sherbet - even little ones could enjoy this dessert. This would be a great thing to serve on the hottest dog days of summer. For a fancier presentation, use pretty stemmed glasses and garnish with mint sprigs.

Ginger Fruit with Pineapple Sherbet

1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks, in juice

1/3 cup orange marmalade or apricot preserves

1 tbsp. finely snipped crystallized ginger

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and rinsed

2 pints pineapple sherbet (can also use orange, lemon or lime sherbet)
Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, marmalade, crystallized ginger and vanilla. Add the pineapple chunks and the drained mandarin oranges. Gently toss to coat.

Cover and quick-chill in the freezer for 15 minutes or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon the sherbet into 4 chilled, stemmed sherbet dishes or small dessert bowls. Top each with the fruit mix and serve immediately.

Serves 4