The Minute Gourmet

Creating The Perfect Fruit Tray With Dip Recipes

Author: Shelly Hill

Creating the perfect fruit tray is really easy. All you need is a round serving platter, a dip container and some fruit serving tongs.

When preparing your serving platter, make sure its clean and dry. I like to line my serving platter with some fresh lettuce leaves so that it looks presentable.

Your next step will be to wash all of your fresh fruits and pat them dry.

Whole Fruits: Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes and Cherries.

Sliced Fruits: Bananas, Pineapple, Kiwi, Red and Yellow Apples, Cantaloupe, Honeydew and Watermelon

Tip: soak banana and apple slices in a little lemon or pineapple juice for 3-5 minutes to prevent them from browning.

You will want to lay your fruits onto your serving platter in sections, leaving the center area open for the dip container. Try to keep fruit juice to a minimum.

For Garnishing, I like to use bright red cherries.

Keep your fruit tray covered and chilled until serving time. The above list of fruits is just to give you an idea of what you can use on your tray, you don’t have to use all of them.

Here are some great dip recipes to make and use with your fruit tray.

Marshmallow Cream Cheese Dip

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
7 oz. marshmallow creme

Blend together both ingredients in a small bowl. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Strawberry Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 jar of marshmallow creme
2 Tsp. strawberry juice (optional)

Whip cream cheese; add in strawberry juice and marshmallow creme. Beat until smooth. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Maple Dip

1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1-2 tbsp. maple syrup

In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, sugars and syrup; beat until smooth. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

About the Author:

Shelly Hill has been working from home since 1989 in Direct Sales. You can visit Shelly online at: http://www.classybusinesswomen.com or at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Creating The Perfect Fruit Tray With Dip Recipes

De’Longhi Esclusivo Espresso Maker $299.95 De’Longhi 15 Bar Pump Driven Machine Espresso MakerPATENTED DUAL FUNCTION FILTER HOLDER Accommodates two separate attachments. The Patented SempreCremaFilter, used with two measures of ground coffee, enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by its caramel color, the cremais the essence of authentic espresso. The E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter, used with pods or one measure of ground coffee, makes espresso preparation simple and convenient. PATENTED CAPPUCCINO SYSTEM FROTHERAdjustable frotherincludes a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth. It?s perfect for making the ideal cappuccino, latte or any other frothy milk coffee beverage.CUP STORAGE TRAYFor warm, ready-to-use cups.REMOVABLE 1 LITER (35 OUNCE) WATER TANK With water level indicator, allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning.LARGE REMOVABLE DRIP TRAY Makes cleanup quick and easy. SELF-PRIMING OPERATION Make your favorite beverage quickly and easily with no annoying start-up preparation.STAINLESS STEEL BOILER Made of durable, high-quality stainless steel, you can count on great espresso for years to come.TWO SEPARATE THERMOSTATSWater and steam pressure are controlled separately, so you can make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature for both.

De’Longhi Stainless Steel Pump Espresso Maker $369.99 PATENTED DUAL FUNCTION FILTER HOLDER Accommodates two separate attachments. The Patented SempreCremaFilter, used with two measures of ground coffee, enhances the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by its caramel color, the cremais the essence of authentic espresso. The E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) Filter, used with pods or one measure of ground coffee, makes espresso preparation simple and convenient. PATENTED CAPPUCCINO SYSTEM FROTHERAdjustable frotherincludes a special chamber that mixes steam and milk to create a rich creamy froth. It?s perfect for making the ideal cappuccino, latte or any other frothy milk coffee beverage.CUP STORAGE TRAYFor warm, ready-to-use cups.REMOVABLE 1.3-LITER (44-OUNCE) WATER TANK With water level indicator, allows for convenient filling and easy cleaning.LARGE REMOVABLE DRIP TRAY Makes cleanup quick and easy.SELF-PRIMING OPERATION Make your favorite beverage quickly and easily with no annoying start-up preparation.STAINLESS STEEL BOILER Made of durable, high-quality stainless steel, you can count on great espresso for years to come.ON/OFF SWITCH WITH INDICATOR LIGHT Allows for easy operation.ANTI-DRIP DESIGN Means no messy cleanup afterwards.TWO SEPARATE THERMOSTATSWater and steam pressure are controlled separately, so you can make espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature for both.

Hourglass Cold Brew Coffee Maker System $69.95 Includes: Hourglass Cold Brew Maker, One Bean Kanteen and an Instruction ManualBenefits:-Easier on the stomach with 69.6% less acid -Smooth and rich with no bitter aftertaste -Delicious hot or iced coffee drinks -Economical – 20 cents per serving -Also great for making tea Eco-Friendly:-No electricity to brew -No paper filters -No coffee waste Features:-Portable, shatterproof and spill-resistant -Single-serve coffee on demand -Makes 8 servings per brewing cycle -Permanent stainless steel filter -Kosher-friendly, great for Shabbos The high heat and fast brew time of conventional coffeemakers can sometimes create bitter coffee that’s high in acid, and can be hard on the stomach for those who are sensitive. With the Hourglass®, coffee grounds are never exposed to heat, so bitter acids and oils are never released. With the acid lowered, you get nothing but pure…coffee made with the Hourglass® is distinctively smooth with a full-bodied, rich flavor and a sweeter taste than traditional heat-brewed coffee. Don’t take our word for it, see what the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) has to say about cold -rewed coffee.We don’t promise a cup of coffee in seconds; in fact, you’ll have to wait 12 hours, but the coffee is so delicious it’s worth the wait! What we can promise is the smoothest, best-tasting coffee you’ve ever had without the risk of a bitter aftertaste. Just prepare before bed and your coffee brews while you sleep. In the morning, you’ll wake up to fantastic low-acid coffee. The Hourglass® makes 8 servings of delicious coffee extract that stores fresh in the fridge in the portable Bean Kanteen for fresh coffee on demand. The Hourglass® does not require heat or electricity to brew. It operates by combining two of the most basic elements of nature, cold water and time. At the core of the Hourglass® is the permanent stainless steel filter, so you’ll never buy or throw away paper filters again. Additionally, there is no coffee waste, because you’ll use every drop, so the days of throwing out old, stale coffee are over. You can even brew the grounds twice with awesome flavor!See Demo: Hourglass Coffee Maker

Kar’s Sweet ‘N Salty Mix (24) 2oz Bags $27.1 Each bag is packaged in a single-serving size containing quality nut and snack items.

Kar’s Salted Peanuts (24) 2oz Bags $25.1 Each bag is packaged in a single-serving size containing quality nut and snack items.

Kar’s Salted Cashews (30) 1oz Bags $41.69 Each bag is packaged in a single-serving size containing quality nut and snack items.

Kar’s Sunflower Kernels (24) 2oz Bags $25.29 Each bag is packaged in a single-serving size containing quality nut and snack items.

Vitamin Water 10 Variety Pack 20 – 20oz Bottles $58 This package from Vitamin Water contains 20 assorted bottles of Vitamin Water’s flavors. Only 10 calories per serving

Crystal Light Single Serve Iced Tea – 24 Packets $10.5 Sugar Free, Low-Calorie, Noncarbonated. Just five calories per 8 oz. serving. 24 Packets per box

Crystal Light Single Serve Fruit Punch – 24 Packets $10.5 Caffeine Free – Sugar Free Fruit Punch, Low-Calorie, Noncarbonated, 24/PK Non-carbonated and caffeine-free, this tasty drink is sweetened with 100 percent NutraSweet. Just five calories per 8 oz. serving. 24 Packets per box

Certified International Hot Tamale 3 Section Server with Metal Stand $25.00 14286 The Hot Tamale Collection from Certified International is designed by artist Nancy Green. This colorful collection features dinnerware and serving accessories. All items are microwave and dishwasher safe. -Set includes:. -3 – 4” Bowls. -8.5” x 8” Stand. Features: -3-Section Server with Metal Stand. -Collection: Hot Tamale. -Color: Multi. -Designed by Nancy Green. -Material: Ceramic. -Han…

Ohio State 15×15 Divided 4 Section Tray $12.95 Entertain with Buckeye Pride using this adorable 15″x15″ 4 section tray. Great for chips, pretzels or any appetizer!…

Fox Run Microwave 3-Section Dish with Vented Lid $5.99 Our Products Are Designed For Discriminating Tastes. The Foxrun Product Line Was Developed To Reflect Their Epicurean Tastes In Food Wine Kitchen Gadgets And The Love Of Everything Wood. Today Foxrun Offers One Of The Most Extensive Fine Wood Lines In The Gourmet And Housewares Industries.Our Mission Is To Continue The Development Of Innovative Well-Designed Products Made With Environmentally-F…