Fresh fruit is yummy!  With summer approaching, I’m eagerly anticipating the season’s fresh, local berries and luscious fruits. Start with already delicious fresh fruit, then dress it up with a few simple additions for scrumptious, uncomplicated preparations that are easy to make, delicious and full of energizing enzymes!

Planning a party for Father’s Day or a graduation celebration?  Try a fruit salad bar—the perfect dessert for a crowd!  Just start with an array of ripe, sweet fruits and offer wholesome dips and toppings. For easy-to-prepare dips, consider using vanilla-flavored or fruit-flavored yogurts. Blend yogurt with additional fresh fruit in a food processor or blender until smooth. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to blend. Serve with an assortment of fresh-cut fruits and colorful berries.  Toppings might include bowls of crushed nuts, granola, raisins, dried cranberries, or low-fat sour cream mixed with brown sugar to taste. Let guests pick their pleasure!

Straight from the heart of summer, fruits of the season beckon with luscious beauty. Here are ideas for quick and easy ways to rev up tantalizing summer fruits.

• For a colorful salad, place fresh pineapple chunks on a bed of baby spinach leaves with thinly sliced celery and radicchio leaves. Top with chopped pecans and drizzle with fresh orange juice.
• Sprinkle crumbled sheep’s milk feta cheese over sliced strawberries and avocado cubes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over fruit and sprinkle with minced cilantro or mint.
• Add fresh blueberries to your favorite cornbread recipe.
• Melon wrapped in silky prosciutto is an honored classic. For a sublime taste sensation, update the traditional pairing using apricots, peaches, nectarines or figs.  Add zip with a drizzle of fresh lime juice and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
• Fresh peaches become more delectable with the flavorful addition of raspberries and vanilla. Create a Peach Melba Sundae: Place a scoop of frozen vanilla yogurt in a juicy, ripe peach half. Top with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds for a fabulous fruit finish!
• Spread ginger snaps with cream cheese or mascarpone and top with fig slices.
• For a quick berry sauce, place a pint of washed berries in a blender or food processor with two tablespoons of sugar or agave syrup*. Puree and taste for sweetness. Stir in a few squeezes of lemon juice. Strain out the seeds and refrigerate until ready to use.
• For simple fruit canapés, spread Wasa or other crispbread cracker with crème fraîche. Top with sliced plums, peaches and nectarines. Serve immediately.