I just missed getting the last peaches available at Whittle’s. This made me sad because, even though it is late September, I guess I am not ready for fall.

In any case, I did find delicious peaches at Big Y and made two crisps (like cobblers but made with nuts, oat, butter, flour and sugar). Of course, I gave the desserts away because, once I have a portion at home, the rest of it disappears. Into my tummy.

Instead of making a dessert for myself, I ate two Lindy’s ices, which I now keep in my kitchen freezer. The ones I have now are orange and taste like a popsicle. At 110 calories, it keeps my cravings at bay.

But I realized I can make my own ices, sorbet and ice cream and used to. My late husband loved to have an ice cream sundae after dinner: any flavor, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a shower of salted peanuts.

I am not likely to make ice cream too often, but if you want to make ice cream, I have included a wicked recipe from Al Forno, too. But I will make sorbet and ices soon. I just ordered an inexpensive ice cream maker from Amazon and it will be here soon. Both these recipes are splendid.

Berry Sorbet

From “Cook’s Illustrated,” August 1995

2 cups fruit puree or juice

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice; for blueberry sorbet, use two tablespoons of lemon juice

1 tablespoon vodka (see Cook’s Tip)

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Stir on and off for several minutes until sugar has dissolved. If mixture is not cold, pour into small container, seal and refrigerate until mixture is no more than 40 degrees. Pour chilled mixture into container of ice cream machine, following manufacturer’s directions, and churn until frozen. Scoop frozen sorbet into a container, seal, and freeze for at least several hours. Sorbet can be kept frozen for up to three days.

Cook’s Tip: If you do not want to add the vodka, the sorbet will be a bit icy, like a granita.

Buttermilk Sorbet

From Martha Stewart Living, February 2000

Makes 1½ quarts

1¾ cups sugar

2 cups water

2 cups buttermilk

1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Combine sugar in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely, about 10 minutes. Increase heat, and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a large bowl, combine sugar syrup with buttermilk and vanilla. Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions to freeze. When freezing is complete, transfer sorbet to an airtight container and place in freezer for at least 1 hour. Sorbet will keep, frozen, for up to 2 weeks. This is one of the most luscious sorbets I have ever tasted.

Al Forno’s Cinnamon Ice Cream

From “Cucina Simpatica” by George Germon and Johanne Killeen (HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 1991)

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup milk

2/3 cup sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

8 espresso or French-roast coffee beans

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Scald over medium-high heat, stirring often, until sugar dissolves. Set aside, uncovered, for 1 hour to steep.

Strain, chill, and freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

On the Side

When America's Best Pastry Chef Adam Young opened his donut shop, Young Buns, I was pretty stoked. I tried to find a parking spot in Mystic three different mornings over the summer since I knew the place would close each day when the donuts ran out. Finally, I got a slot and walked in. It smelled heavenly, of course. I was going to work with friends at our political headquarters, so I bought a dozen.

Yes, they have glazed. And cinnamon. And plain. But why would you stop there? There was a blueberry one that was so dark I thought it was chocolate. There was another filled with peaches. Sometimes there are Fluffernutters, triple chocolate, honey cardamom, vanilla glazed.

The box was heavy and a dozen cost just over $39. One of my friends wasn't impressed. She said she likes the ones at Aldi. If Aldi or Dunkin is good enough, that's fine. But these donuts are impressive and delicious and exciting. See what you think.

Young Buns

46 West Main St., Mystic

(860) 415-8372

Lee White lives in Groton. She can be reached at leeawhite@aol.com.