Gorgeous stone fruits such as peaches, plums and apricots are fragrant, shining jewels in our farmers’ markets. Although they stand alone as the perfect dessert, visions of sugar plum (or peach, apricot, or berry) tarts, pies and cakes dance in our heads! (more…)

Gorgeous, juicy, Vitamin A-rich peaches and other stone fruits are beginning to bless our farmers’ markets now. Pick fruit that is firm but still feels soft enough to bruise if squeezed. Pick it ready for table since hard stone fruits will soften, but not ripen or become sweeter while stored. Avoid fruit with blemished, wrinkled skins. (more…)

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Rich, creamy chocolate pudding with raspberry fizz! (more…)

A trifle is built from layers of cake, sugar, fruit and cream. Trifles vary with fruit availability, and thus become showcases for seasonal favorites. This ultra-simple trifle features tangerines and raspberries for winter, but can easily be changed by substituting plums, peaches, apricots and strawberries during warmer months. Low-fat, calorie-friendly ladyfingers stand in as the “cake” layer, and non-fat whipped topping becomes the cream layer. Ginger adds a bit of holiday dazzle to the blended fruit flavors.

Treat your friends and families to a “rich” dessert that is “rich” in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Keep your food environment nearly cake and cookie-free! This holiday trifle is gorgeous, healthy and easy to prepare. Enjoy!
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Cranberries define the winter holidays! These gorgeous scarlet berries serve as festive centerpieces, wreaths and garlands. Tangy cranberries are also the feature ingredient in beverages, sauces, salads, stuffing, baked goods and desserts. Dried cranberries have replaced raisins in many households, making the fruit a year-round staple. Get your vitamin C from this versatile, glorious fruit in as many ways as possible! Whether by vision or taste, scarlet cranberries light a spark in the holiday season. (more…)