Welcome to another Friday, dear reader. Today feels like a holiday, even though it’s not. Today, we will do what we usually do, pack for The Ligonier Country Market, make moisturizer, and clean up the shop for the weekend. However, with my bean at home and the unofficial start to summer looming, it feels like a holiday. This Foodie Friday, I will share my easy, go-to recipe for fruit dip. I was first introduced to this recipe in high school. My best friend’s mom made this dip for a birthday party, and I have been making this recipe for picnics and gatherings ever since. Thank you, Connie Mano, for introducing this recipe to me all those years ago. It’s funny how food maintains connections with people and keeps those people in our lives even though we may not have seen them for years.
Some recipes I make during the holidays remind me of friends and family from my childhood. Other recipes remind me of specific events and special occasions. For example, Chex Mix Puppy Chow reminds me of an old boyfriend’s family. Seven Layer Jell-O reminds me of my dear friends who are identical twins, mother Anna May. Chicken with Miracle Whip, parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs remind me of my college friend and our time visiting her home in Monroeville. A simple vegetable stew made with green beans reminds me of my trip to Florida with my dear friend Debbie and her family. Food is a connection that can’t be broken.
This simple fruit dip recipe is delicious, easy, and always popular. I made this dip and sent it to school with Jordan for her cast party on the day of her musical performance. She brought me home empty trays and bowls. This recipe is simple, makes a lovely presentation, and is on the fringe of healthy. I say fringe of healthy because when one uses marshmallow fluff, how healthy can it be? However, it incorporates fruit, so there is that.
Simply Fruit Dip
1 8 Ounce Block of Cream Cheese, Softened
1 Small Jar of Marshmallow Fluff
Combine the softened cream cheese and marshmallow fluff using a hand mixer. Mix until thoroughly blended and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Serve with ripened strawberries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, apples, and pears. This dip works well with any seasonal fruit and is delicious with berries of all kinds.
I like using a large glass platter with a simple bowl in the center. Fill the bowl high with fruit dip and place the fruit high around the bowl. A garnish of fresh mint looks lovely.
That’s it! Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy. It doesn’t take much time or effort and makes a beautiful presentation. On this unofficial start to summer weekend, stay safe, be smart, enjoy simple, delicious food, and keep washing your