Summer Fruit Basket

Summer Fruit Basket Recipe from Nigeria with Water, Strawberry, Ginger Ale, Grape, and Cantaloupe

Region / culture: Nigeria | Servings: 8

Introduction

Summer Fruit Basket is a refreshing and colorful dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This light and fruity dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The Summer Fruit Basket recipe has been a popular choice for summer gatherings and picnics for many years. It is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the fresh fruits of the season in a fun and creative way.

Ingredients

2 cups of boiling water
1 package (8-serving size) of jell-o Brand strawberry Flavor sugar Free Low Calorie gelatin, or any red flavor
1 and a half cups of cold diet ginger ale or water
1 cup of sliced strawberries
1 cup of green grape halves
1 cup of cantaloupe chunks

How to prepare

Stir boiling water into gelatin in a large bowl for at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in cold diet ginger ale. Refrigerate for about 1.5 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves a definite impression).
Stir in fruit. Pour into a 2 qt (1.89 liter) serving bowl.
Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm. Store leftover dessert in the refrigerator.

Variations

Try using different flavors of gelatin for a fun twist on the recipe.
Experiment with different combinations of fruits to create your own unique version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the gelatin mixture for at least 2 minutes to ensure that it is completely dissolved.

- Refrigerate the gelatin mixture for the specified time to allow it to thicken before adding the fruit.

- Use a variety of colorful fruits to create a visually appealing dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Summer Fruit Basket chilled as a light and refreshing dessert after a summer meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is to properly dissolve the gelatin and allow it to thicken before adding the fruit.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can use regular soda instead of diet soda in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gelatin mixture and refrigerate it in advance, then add the fruit just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Summer Fruit Basket in a clear glass bowl to show off the colorful layers of fruit and gelatin.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a light and fruity white wine or a sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Summer Fruit Basket in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 100 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, thanks to the fresh fruits used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Summer Fruit Basket is a low-calorie, low-fat dessert that is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh fruits used in the recipe.

Summary

Summer Fruit Basket is a delightful and healthy dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its colorful fruit and light gelatin base, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Summer Fruit Basket. It was a warm, sunny day in the heart of summer, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy farmhouse in the countryside. As we sat on her porch sipping iced tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a large, beautiful basket overflowing with the most vibrant and juicy fruits I had ever seen.

"Surprise!" Martha exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. "I've been saving this special treat just for you."

I couldn't help but gasp in amazement at the sight before me. The basket was filled with an assortment of ripe peaches, plump strawberries, succulent blueberries, and luscious grapes, all glistening in the sunlight. It was truly a sight to behold.

Martha smiled at my reaction and gestured for me to follow her into the kitchen. She then proceeded to show me how to prepare the perfect Summer Fruit Basket, a recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations.

First, Martha taught me how to carefully wash and slice each fruit with precision and care. She explained that the key to a successful Summer Fruit Basket was to choose fruits that were ripe and in season, as their natural sweetness and flavors would shine through in the final dish.

Next, Martha showed me how to layer the fruits in the basket, creating a beautiful mosaic of colors and textures. She advised me to alternate the fruits in a visually appealing pattern, ensuring that each bite would be a delightful mix of flavors.

As we worked together to assemble the Summer Fruit Basket, Martha shared stories of her own childhood memories of summers spent on her family's farm, picking fresh fruits straight from the orchards and enjoying them in simple, yet delicious dishes like this one.

Finally, once the basket was complete, Martha handed me a small jar of homemade honey and instructed me to drizzle it over the fruits just before serving. She explained that the honey would add a touch of sweetness and richness to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level of decadence.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, the flavors of the Summer Fruit Basket exploded on my taste buds, each bite a burst of freshness and sweetness. The combination of the ripe peaches, juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, and succulent grapes was truly a match made in heaven.

I knew in that moment that I had discovered a recipe that would become a cherished tradition in my own family for years to come. The Summer Fruit Basket was not just a dish, but a celebration of the beauty and abundance of nature, a reminder of the simple joys of life that can be found in the most unexpected places.

As I bid farewell to Martha and her farmhouse that day, I carried with me not just a basket of fruits, but a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking and the power of sharing recipes with loved ones. The Summer Fruit Basket had become more than just a recipe to me—it was a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of savoring life's simple pleasures. And for that, I will always be grateful to Martha and the day she introduced me to this delicious and unforgettable dish.