Optional Fresh Fruit Topping Food

EASY FRUIT COMPOTE

Steps:

• To prepare the fruit: If you're using fresh strawberries or peaches, cut them into thin slices. If you're using small berries like blueberries or raspberries, you can use them whole. If you're using frozen fruit, no need to defrost or slice them before using.
• In a medium saucepan, combine your fruit of choice, sweetener of choice and dash of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes for fresh fruit or 10 minutes for frozen fruit.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. If you're using chunky fruit or prefer a smoother consistency, mash the fruit with a potato masher or serving fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Continue simmering, stirring often, until the compote has condensed to about half of its original volume, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the compote from the heat. I'm generally satisfied with my compote at this point, but if the compote isn't sweet enough for your liking, you can stir in a more sweetener, to taste. If you'd like it to be more smooth, mash it some more.
• Let the compote cool for a few minutes before serving. Allow leftover compote to cool completely before covering and refrigerating for up to 10 days.

FRUIT-TOPPED BLINTZES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add flour, cornstarch and salt; stir until smooth. Stir in milk. , Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet; pour 1/3 cup batter into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Keep in a warm oven, covered with foil. Repeat with remaining batter. , For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Place about 2 tablespoons in the center of each blintz; overlap sides and ends on top of filling. Place folded side down. Serve with pureed berries; garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries if desired.

PUFF PASTRY APPLE TURNOVERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon; add apples and toss to coat. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pastry sheet into a 12-in. square. Cut each into four squares. , Spoon 1/2 cup apple mixture into the center of each square; fold diagonally in half and press edges to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet., In a small bowl, combine the butter, sugar and cinnamon; brush over pastry. Bake at 400° for 12-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

FRESH FRUIT WITH VARIOUS TOPPINGS FOR 2

Steps:

• Divide fruit between two dessert dishes, sprinkle snipped fresh mint on fruit if desired. Serve with one of the toppings below:.
• HONEY-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey and 1/2 cup unflavored yogurt or dairy sour cream.
• BROWN SUGAR-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1/4 cup unflavored yogurt or sour cream and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
• LIMEADE-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate (thawed) and 1/4 cup pineapple yogurt.
• SPICE-YOGURT TOPPING.
• Mix 1/2 cup unflavored yogurt or sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and dash nutmeg.

FRESH FRUIT TOPPING

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, mix pudding, milk, and triple sec until thickened.
• Fold in whipped cream.
• Spoon over fresh fruit.

OPTIONAL FRESH FRUIT TOPPING

Steps:

• In small saucepan, bring fruit, sugar, 1/2 cup water, and butter to a boil. Mix cornstarch and 1/4 cup water together. Add to boiling pot, cooking and stirring constantly for 1 minute or until thick. Cool to room temperature. Serve dollop on each slice of cheesecake, with a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.