My kids love fruit but I find that like most things fruit can get boring if I serve it the same way each time. I like to buy local if possible, Michigan farmed if possible and organic when economically feasible. I also enjoy and get a lot of inspiration from the Big Book of Recipes or Cooking for Baby. Here are a few ways to spruce up the healthy fruit snack:
Good for Your Kids Fruit and Dip
What You Need:
Strawberries, quartered
Watermelon, cubed
Muskmelon, cubed
Grapes
Bananas cut in chunks
1 (8 oz.) pkg. low fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 (6 oz.) container vanilla yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
How to Make It:
-Place the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl.
-Add the yogurt and vanilla.
-Mix with an electric mixer on high until smooth.
-Sprinkle in the sugar substitute and stir until well incorporated.
-Place the fruit decoratively on a plate with the dip as the center attraction.
16 Servings
Fruit of all kinds taste great with this dip. Use party style toothpicks in the fruit pieces for a more inviting display.
Grilled Fruit and Dip
What You Need:
1 (8 oz.) container part skim ricotta cheese
1 (16 oz.) pkg. sweetened frozen strawberries
2 TBSP no fat plain yogurt
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
8 strawberries cut in half
4 fresh peaches, quartered Peaches, halved or quartered
8 fresh pineapple chunks
4 fresh plums cut in half
1/4 C balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. sugar
How to Make It:
-Place the ricotta cheese in the blender.
-Dip the frozen strawberries and yogurt.
-Sprinkle in the ginger.
-Blend all the ingredients together until silky smooth.
-Place in a bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold.
-Heat the grill to medium high heat.
-Place one piece of each fruit on 8 skewers.
-Mix the vinegar and sugar together in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved.
-Brush each skewer of fruit with the vinegar mixture.
-When the grill has reached desired temperature lay the skewers on grill so they are not touching.
-Grill the fruit until lightly brown on all sides, being sure to turn often.
-Baste the fruit with the remaining vinegar mixture after each turn.
-Remove the dip from the refrigerator and serve with the grilled fruit.
8 Servings
Grilling fruit gives it a unique taste and brings out the natural flavors. Add it with the dip and you have the perfect lazy afternoon snack for everyone to enjoy.
