Fruit Rainbow

So here's the thing. I know this is not a recipe. It's an idea and it's a cute one so I'm sharing it. We're on spring break this week and it's been lovely. We've been doing one fun thing each day and boy has it helped the week be dreamy and frankly gone too soon. One of our fun things was to have lunch and play with several friends at another family's house. This was our contribution to the day and most of the fruit was gone in a jiffy and (no surprise) the rolos were gone, gone, gone in a flash. Seeing as how it's St Patty's Day on saturday a rainbow of fruit with a bowl of chocolate gold seems appropriate. Thank you pinterest for a festive, healthy, holiday treat!

Fruit Rainbow

In order from outside-in:

strawberries

oranges (mandarin or fresh navel sectioned)

pineapple (fresh or canned)

kiwi (or green grapes)

blueberries (i didn't use these this time)

red grapes

rolos

optional: mini marshmallows for cloud like shape at opposite end of rainbow or white colored fruit dip for similar effect

Arrange fruit starting with strawberries and working your way in creating a rainbow shape. Simple as pie!

Fluffy Mandarin Orange Salad

I realize this isn't exactly winter-time fare and that's it's a bit strange to see a somewhat summery salad/side sitting in snow! But I had a carton of cottage cheese that needed using and we like this any old time of the year. It's a great way to round out any meal and add a little sweetness to your plate to offset all that yummy savory. My sis-in-law Sam shared this recipe with me ages ago and I was shocked at how simple it was considering how amazing it tastes. My kids love this! We generally go the all orange route, but think that this could be definitely be adapted to almost any flavor gelatin and a fair number of fruits, i.e. peach with canned peaches, raspberry with fresh or maybe even frozen raspberries, strawberry with fresh strawberries-you get the picture I'm sure! Or mix and match: peach gelatin with raspberries and so on. Enjoy experimenting with this super easy and delicious recipe!

Fluffy Mandarin Orange Salad

{Recipe from my fabulous cook of a sister-in-law Sam}

16 oz + large or small curd cottage cheese

1 regular size carton whipped topping, thawed

1 package orange Jell-O (smaller or larger works, just use what you've got on hand)

2 cans mandarin oranges, drained

In large bowl gently mix cottage cheese, orange jell-o, and mandarin oranges together. When thoroughly mixed gently fold in whipped topping and make sure it's well-combined. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve. SO easy!

Spicy Pineapple Salad

I swear fresh pineapple is sent from heaven above. Is there anything better? I think not. This simple salad is a little taste of the islands and it's made unique by a sprinkling of cayenne pepper. Strange concept I know, but let me just say that it somehow really heightens the flavor of the already delicious pineapple. The toasted coconut and crunchy macadamia nuts make it all the better. Such a great and healthy little side dish to round out almost any meal.

Spicy Pineapple Salad

4 cups cubed fresh pineapple (I like mine a little on the smaller side)

1 cup halved red grapes

2 T fresh orange or lime juice

1 T honey

1/8 t cayenne pepper

dash of salt

2 T toasted coconut

2 T chopped macadamia nuts

Combine pineapple and grapes in bowl. Mix orange (or lime) juice, honey, pepper, and salt in separate small bowl. Drizzle over fruit. Sprinkle with coconut and macadamias.

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Aren't smoothies the best? They're great for breakfast or anytime of the day AND they even pass for dessert, at least with my family. Plus they're healthy. Who ever heard of a healthy dessert? Score!

This smoothie is reminiscent of one of my all-time favorite drinks: Pina Colada. And with a touch of cream (optional but a must in my opinion) it's border-line decadent. See? Dessert!

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Note: This recipe is all about adjusting to taste. Amounts listed are more suggestions than musts.

3/4 to 1 cup vanilla yogurt (Tip: We buy the big 32 oz. containers so there's always some in the fridge for smoothies or snacks)

1 can (8oz.) crushed pineapple with juice

1 can (6oz.) pineapple juice

1 ripe banana

Small handful (approx.. 1/4 cup) coconut

1-2 cups frozen, sliced peaches

Ice cubes

2 T or so whipping cream

Optional toasted coconut and sweetened whipped cream for garnish

In blender place yogurt, crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, banana, and coconut. Blend until smooth. Add frozen peaches, blend till smooth. Check consistency and add ice cubes if desired. Finish off with generous dash of cream, blend again. Taste and add whatever more you'd like. Garnish and serve immediately.