"What's for dessert?"

Sunday we celebrated our 21st Annual Sweet Maria's Company Picnic.  I usually start watching the weather reports weeks ahead, hoping and praying that the day turns out nice.The food is actually the easy part; chips/salsa/guacamole, grilled chicken, pulled pork, creamy cilantro coleslaw ,Italian potato salad, and green salad. Sodas, beer, wine, limoncello. The hardest question is always  "What's for dessert?  Because sweets are our business, many of us are  jaded with the usual assortment of cakes and cookies. The only solution for the dessert doldrums is the make-your-own sundae bar.

Plus, it's easy enough to pull together. Pick one flavor  ice cream., ( we chose vanilla) and go crazy with the toppings and sauces. Of course it helps when you have the best pastry chefs making your chocolate and caramel sauce... and don't forget the whipped cream.

My personal favorite, vanilla ice cream, fresh blueberries, a squirt of caramel sauce, streusel topping and whipped cream.

Streusel Topping

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 cups flour

3 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In an electric mixer, combine all ingredients. mix until uniform and crumbly. Spread onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 15 to 20 minutes,or until golden brown,  stirring occasionally.

Let cool. Store in an airtight container. Can be made 2 to 3 days in advance.