Fluffy Apple Dip

I love this time of year--the beautiful leaves, the holidays, and all the delicious recipes. I posted this recipe last year around this time, but thought I would re-post it because I love it so much and have made it for a couple of events recently. I found this apple dip recipe last year in the September/October issue of "Simple and Delicious" magazine. This is my absolute favorite dip, and it gets a great response whenever I make it. And the best part--it's SO easy.

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (*I never have this, so I always just use cinnamon, and I love how it turns out)
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
Assorted apple wedges

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter and pie spice (or cinnamon) until blended; fold in marshmallow creme. Serve with apple wedges. Makes 2 cups.

Fruit Salad in a Watermelon Bowl

Ryan made this fruit salad the other night, and I just thought the presentation was so pretty. What a great way to use the whole watermelon.

Strawberry Dip

I got this idea from some friends and made this for a church event. It was not only delicious but really easy. All I did was mix equal parts strawberry yogurt and Cool Whip. Serve with fresh fruit and enjoy!

Blueberry Banana Parfait

These were so easy to make and turned out so well. I thought they looked great, and I loved the juicy fresh pineapple, the creamy pudding, and the burst of blueberry flavor. Yum! I came up with this as I was wandering around the grocery store today.

1 package (5.1 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
Fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed)
1 banana, sliced
Cool Whip
Fresh pineapple (optional)

Prepare pudding as directed on box (whisk 3 cups cold milk with pudding mix for 2 minutes, let sit for 5 minutes). In a clear glass, layer pudding, several banana slices, and a generous spoonful or two of blueberries (I used frozen berries that I thawed in the fridge for several hours). Layer more pudding on top, then another layer of bananas and blueberries. Top with Cool Whip and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Blueberry Banana Smoothies

This post is to show I eat something other than dessert :) I really enjoy fruit smoothies. Grayson used to have them every day but I think he got sick of them, and now Thatcher will drink them almost every day. I vary the fruit I use--usually I would use frozen strawberries but this time we went to Sam's Club I got a bag of frozen blueberries instead so I'm using those. I have also purchased the frozen mixed fruit bags in the past, but didn't think honeydew and cantaloupe worked well in these. Peach and pineapple were yummy though.

4-6 oz orange juice (I try to squeeze fresh juice whenever possible)
1-2 bananas (depending on how thick and banana-y you like it)
1 cup frozen blueberries (use more if desired), thawed in microwave for about 45 seconds
several heaping spoonfuls of plain, whole fat yogurt (I usually use homemade)

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. This will make 1 1/2 to 2 cups of smoothie.

I didn't always add yogurt--that is a fairly recent addition. My mom has done reading about the benefits of probiotics, and the whole milk fat is good for all of us (especially my kids, who don't drink straight whole milk). My mom got us a yogurt maker and she has one as well. She uses goat's milk because it's easier to digest, but my most recent batch was cow's milk. It adds a creaminess to the smoothies that's really nice. I opt for plain because it doesn't have any added sugars. So between the fresh orange juice, all the fruit, and the healthy yogurt, we really feel good about our breakfast when we make these!

For Thatcher

For me

Lemon Fruit Dip

I found this in a "Simple and Delicious" magazine and thought it sounded yummy. Ryan made the dip and put together this beautiful fruit tray for New Year's Day. The dip was really good--light, cool, and creamy. It got great reviews from those who tried it--I highly recommend it!

1 c cold milk
1 package (3.4) oz instant lemon pudding mix
1 c (8 oz) sour cream
Assorted fresh fruit

In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Whisk in sour cream. Chill until serving. Serve with fruit. Makes 1-2/3 cups.