So we’re in the Keys for the Fourth of July weekend and my husband made fresh burgers on the grill. I made mine a Western-type burger with cheddar cheese, Bar-B-Q sauce, pickled jalapeños and caramelized onions. It was delicious and we ate them with Cape Cod wavy chips and fresh corn on the cob. It really hit the spot, but I was looking for a little something sweet to finish off my meal.

I’d bought a Sara Lee poundcake I was going to slice, slather with sliced mangoes and top with mango whipped cream (leftover from cupcakes) but, with only two people eating for July 4th, I couldn’t justify it, so left it at home. I rummaged around my kitchen and couldn’t find anything sweet to eat. Even my coconut patties, that Key’s treat I keep in case of chocolate emergencies, were gone!

What’s a girl with a sweet tooth to do? I did find some sugar ice cream cones, but had no ice cream. I found two squares of Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate as well and an idea started to take form. I toasted the sugar cones (they were soggy from the humidity), melted the chocolate and sliced up some banana and strawberries. I put the sliced fruit in a bowl, topped it with Reddi Whip (yes I know it’s aerosol but desperate times!), sprinkled it with crushed up sugar cones and drizzled it all with melted chocolate. Kind of like a banana, strawberry split, without the ice cream. I didn’t take a photo, I was so desperate to dive in. The verdict?

It was pretty darn good and it cured my sugar cravings. And, on the plus side, it rang in at less than 200 calories. I happened to glance at the Publix sugar ice cream cone package and there were other ideas for easy, no-cook desserts. I will keep these in my back pocket in case another craving hits.

Some Sugar Ice Cream Cone Concoctions

1. Fill with layers of strawberry preserves and plain or vanilla yogurt.
2. Combine chocolate pudding with fudge brownie cubes and spoon into cone.
3. Prepare “no bake” cheesecake, spoon into cone and chill. Top with strawberry preserves.
4. Fill with fresh fruit and chocolate-flavored whipped topping.
5. Hide mini marshmallows in the bottom before filling with ice cream. (A good idea for kids, so it doesn’t drip!)

Speaking of kids, I am hosting Gigi Camp in the Keys next week starting Sunday night, which is also the beginning of Shark Week. I’m more afraid of Phoenix (age 4) than the sharks! I’ve never had him for Gigi Camp before and he can be, let’s say… challenging.

Wyatt is going to the Upper Keys Sailing Club camp during the day so I will have Phoenix by myself from 9 to 3. I am racking my brain for activities to do with him. You can bet I’ll stock up on sugar ice cream cones, ice cream, marshmallows, Spaghettios and treats to keep him entertained. The Treasure Chest will be stocked, as a bribe for good behavior.

Wish me good luck!

Next Up: Gigi Camp