No added Sugar Jam

This jam has been an awesome find.  Jam is loaded with sugar and "sugar free" options are often loaded with a bunch of things that I'd rather not eat.  This Polaner Fruit Jam is 100% fruit juice, fruit, and pectin.  I buy this at Walmart.  It comes in several flavors: Blueberry, cherry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, apricot, and grape.  I think blackberry and raspberry are my favorites.

Fruit Fish

This picture was on the front of a Target mailer I received.  I thought this was a cute fruit creation...when you have the extra time and need for a creative outlet :)

Fruit Pizzas

 For a fun dessert buffet...have a "Make-Your-Own" Fruit Pizza Bar!

Cookies:Mix together
1 pkg white cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
-Form balls into desired size (regular or mini)
-Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes.
-Note: You can use your favorite sugar cookie recipe instead...this is just the easiest way!
Frosting:
Mix together:
1/2 of small carton cool whip
2 yoplait yogurts (I usually either do a berry or lemon/lime)
**(with whatever is left over, use it for a fruit salad or on top of pancakes/waffles!)

Decorate with:sliced strawberries
canned mandarine oranges
fresh blueberries
sliced kiwi

Fruit in a Cone

I thought this was a fun idea.

(you can put yogurt in the bottom and then top with mixed fruit)

Yogurt Fruit Salad

I'm sure you have all had this before...if not where have you been?  I personally hate to cover beautiful fresh fruit with anything, but my kids LOVE this simple fruit salad.  It isn't exactly the most "beautiful" fruit salad, but you can spruce it up if entertaining by putting individual servings in ramikins or some other small dish.

Directions:
Toss any combination of fresh fruit with some yogurt and you're good to go! 
(Pictured: pinapple, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and apples covered in mixed berry yogurt)

Frozen Watermelon

 

A great summer treat (or Spring treat!)...just cut up your watermelon in cubes, pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes and BAM!  you're set to go!  I've heard this is a great snack when experiencing morning sickness.  I'll have to try it next time around!

Spinach Smoothies

I LOVE smoothies or "special drinks" as my kids somehow came to name them! Add a couple handfuls of spinach to your favorite smoothie concoction for a little extra healthy uumphf (I have now idea how to spell that!) :-)

My smoothies usually consist of the following:
fresh or frozen unsweetened fruit (usually berries)
plain yogurt
milk or 100% juice (or 1-2 TBS 100% juice concentrate)
1 banana (for a naturally sweetener-I ALWAYS throw one of these in)
couple BIG handfuls of spinach
ice (if using fresh fruit because I like the consistency it gives and the "cold" factor)

-I really like to use the "Bolthouse" juice drinks that have citrus or tropical fruits in them.

Summer Fruit Mix

We had this fruit combination every summer growing up...so of course I have to make it every summer. It reminds me of mowing lawns, turkey sandwiches, and night-games with the neighborhood kids! We ate it just as is, but you can also serve the fruit with some vanilla yogurt if you wish.

Strawberries
Honeydew melon
Cantelope melon
Red Grapes

-A hint I've learned from my mother-in-law: squeeze some lime juice over your cut melon pieces. It makes them taste delicious. I always do this when my melon isn't as flavorful as I would like (like the cantelope pictured :-) )

Fruit Snacks

A lot of parents think that fruit snacks are "healthy." I beg to differ! They are most definitely a treat! A friend introduced me to these truly healthy fruit snacks a few weeks ago. They taste like homemade fruit leather, made of juice and pectin. Of course these are still full of natural sugars, but they don't have any added junk. I like them a bit stale and then they are not as sticky. I buy this at Costco.

Fruit Cocktail

This was a common breakfast or dinner side dish in my home growing up. It is simple and works well all year round. Just use fruit in season (not canned!!!).

Winter Combo as pictured:

Serves 6

1 apple, diced

1 firm pear, diced

1 cup red grapes

1 banana, diced

2 oranges, peeled and sliced

Other optional add ins:

pineapple

strawberries (if available, these add a great color punch!)

pomegranate seeds

-Place all diced fruit in bowl and pour in a type of juice such as orange juice, peach juice, pineapple/mango combo, until fruit 2/3 submerged. Serve up :-)

Healthy Fruit Dip

I got this recipe from a friend of mine named Chelsea. Children always love dips...and I do to! So for a fun fruit platter twist, try this!

1 cup plain yogurt
1 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh berries, melons, citrus, apples, etc.

-In a small holed strainer, place yogurt and let it drain (this lets some of the water out so you have a thicker dip. The longer you let it sit the thicker the dip. For me usually I do about 15 minutes) Then place yogurt into bowl and mix in vanilla and sugar until well blended.