How to Make an Easy Fruit Appetizer

Strawberries and bananas complement each other.

Fresh mixed fruit is a refreshing way to quench hunger. Take advantage of each season to buy the best seasonal fruits at its peak. Winters are prime for apples and mandarin oranges. Summer months host the largest fruit options of cherries, strawberries, peaches and lemons. Most grocery stores import all fruits during the year, however knowing which seasons are the best for producing them turns out tastier fruit options, bursting with richer flavor and intense aromas. Strawberries and bananas always complement one another; strawberries are slightly tart and juicy, while bananas are creamy and absorbs the sugar of the strawberry.

Things You'll Need

• Serving bowl
• Serving spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Fruit knife
• Fork
• 1 lemon
• 1 qt. strawberries
• 3 ripe bananas
• ½ cup raisins
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

1. Fill a serving bowl with strawberries. Cover with water. Soak them to loosen dirt for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse once more before cutting.

2. Slice the strawberries and bananas into bite-size pieces. Slice the lemon in half.

3. Place the sliced strawberries, bananas, and raisins in the bowl. Spear half a lemon with a fork and squeeze the lemon juice over the fruit. Toss with cinnamon and sugar.

4. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for a ½-hour to 8 hours. Marinating brings the juice and flavors out of the fruit. Serve chilled.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose stawberries that are bright red and plump. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Be careful with sharp or dull knives. Smaller paring knives are ideal for cutting fruit.

References

• Martha Stewart: Strawberry Basics