Favorite Fruit Dip

I've been making this fruit dip for years and it's always a guest favorite.  It comes from Kraft Foods. It can even be made lower in fat and calories by using low or no fat cream cheese and light or fat free cool whip.  I started making this dip in college when the dining halls served this amazing fruit dip and I started a quest to find my own favorite fruit dip!  This isn't anything like the one from college, but it's my go-to fruit dip recipe these days.  Instead of just serving a fruit salad at your next gathering, try this fruit dip with grapes, strawberries or apple slices.  I don't think your guests will be disappointed!

Favorite Fruit Dip
Makes: 2 cups

4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup cranberry sauce
4 oz. cool whip (1/2 of a small tub)

Mix together the cream cheese and cranberry sauce with a mixer (standing or hand held) until blended thoroughly.  Don't worry if it looks lumpy at first, after a few minutes it will come together.  It's okay if there are a few lumps left in it.  Making sure the cream cheese is room temperature before mixing helps ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Once blended, fold in the cool whip.  Voila!  Serve with any type of fresh fruit. Enjoy!

xoxo Melissa

Summer Fruit Punch

Is there anything better than a cold drink, while enjoying the beautiful summer weather outdoors?  I don't think so! This is a super easy summer punch recipe, just perfect for a lazy summer evening or for having friends over for a get together.  This recipes has been adapted from one in Taste of the South magazine. It's quick to make and your friends will all want the recipe. Don't be embarrassed to share how easy it is, you're friends will only enjoy it more once knowing this!

Summer Fruit Punch
Serves: 4-6

3 cups pineapple juice
3 cups orange juice
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
orange slices for serving, optional
maraschino cherries for serving, optional

Pour all three juices into a large pitcher and stir together until combined. Chill for a few hours before serving.  Add orange slices and cherries right before serving.  Enjoy!

xoxo Melissa

Baked Cinnamon Apples

When I was little, I loved the restaurant Boston Market.  My family used to go there when we were on vacation in Florida and sometimes when we were on a special shopping trip in Columbus. Since we didn't have a Boston Market in my town, it always seemed like a treat when we got to go.  One of my favorite side dishes were their cinnamon apples.  I came across a copy-cat recipe in Top Secret Recipes Unlocked (by Todd Wilbur).  Since I haven't been to a Boston Market in years I thought I might give it a try.  Wow!  They are good and just like I remembered!  I literally could have drank the caramel sauce this recipe makes with the apples... good thing I had a little self restraint!  You could eat them on their own or add a scoop of ice cream, like I did, turning this side dish into dessert! 

Baked Cinnamon Apples
Serves: 5

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and each cut into 9 slices
3/4 cup water
1 Tbs flour
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 Tbs butter, melted
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp kosher salt
Vanilla Ice Cream, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange sliced apples in an 8x8 inch or similar sized baking dish.

Whisk together the water, flour and cornstarch.  Then stir in remaining ingredients.

Pour sugar mixture evenly over the apples and stir to coat.  Cover dish with foil and bake for about 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  How easy was that!  Enjoy!

 

Clearly everyone loved it... no leftovers tonight!

xoxo Melissa