Helping you prepare healthy foods in a hurry

Alice Henneman, MS, Registered Dietitian and Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

The "Dish" on Fruit Desserts

Rather than spend time preparing a "fancy" fruit dessert (to which much sugar and/or fat often is added), simply serve fruit in a "fancy" dish!

tall dish

A plain, peeled and sliced peach -- plopped in a cereal bowl and topped with a dab of ice cream -- becomes an elegant dessert when displayed in a pretty serving dish.

Perhaps you already have some large wine goblets in your cupboard that would serve double-duty as dessert dishes. Or, some pretty glass coffee cups might look equally exquisite.

If you decide to purchase some "fancy" dishes, think: "dishwasher safe." The easier your dessert dishes are to clean, the more likely you are to use them, and to enjoy this and similar healthy fruit desserts.

short dish

This versatile dish was bought on sale and stacks for easy storage.

Try using a wine glass as "fancy" dish.

Though long on looks, this fruit dessert is low in calories:

A half cup of a light ice cream provides about 100 calories, as well as calcium.
One sliced, medium-sized peach (2-1/2 inch diameter) adds around 40 calories.
Toss in a fourth cup of blueberries (for added eye-appeal and nutrients) for about 20 calories.
The grand total: 160 calories! The sugar in the ice cream is the only sweetener needed.

TIP: If you'd like to slice the peaches earlier in the day, a simple way to prevent browning is to use a commercial anti-darkening preparation such Fruit-Fresh (R) Produce Protector. Follow the manufacturer's directions. You also could coat them lightly with an acidic juice such as lemon, orange or pineapple juice.

Return to Cook It Quick Main Menu

Sign Up for COOK IT QUICK! Updates
This site is updated about once a month. Sign up here if you'd like us to e-mail you when we add new material.

Developed By:

Alice C. Henneman, MS, RD
Extension Educator
University of Nebraska
Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

Fax: (402) 441-7148
Phone: (402) 441-7180
E-Mail: ahenneman1@unl.edu
Web site: lancaster.unl.edu/food

Use Of These Materials:

You may reproduce these materials for educational purposes but not for sales purposes. You're also welcome to link to "Cook It Quick" from your website. Please credit: COOK IT QUICK!, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension (lancaster.unl.edu/food/ciq.htm)

Use of commercial and trade names does not imply approval or constitute endorsement by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension. Nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

For more information about preparing healthy meals, contact your local University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Office; for the location of the office nearest you, click here. For a listing of Cooperative Extension Offices throughout the United States, click here.

Address: 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528-1507, Phone: 402-441-7180

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska and the United States Department of Agriculture.