A Twist On Fruit

June is the time for fruit. Stores and stands are bursting with berries and melons. Everyone loves them until they eat way to much - and then they become sick of them. The dilemma is these gems of nature are good for you. Stop eating them and you lose out on important and vital nutrients and antioxidants. What to do ? Give them a twist.

Watermelon is one of the most versatile fruits this season.Pureed it can create a wealth of dishes and even drinks. You can use it for a sweet granita just by pouring a mix of it and simple syrup into trays and then freezing for about half an hour. When it's semi frozen, grate a fork over it until it becomes like a slushie . Serve in cups with a sprig of fresh mint. You can also use it as an ice if you again puree it and put through a crushed ice machine. When it's liquefied , watermelon is a great ingredient for drinks.

Berries are equally as versatile. You can make a wonderful blueberry or strawberry vinaigrette by adding the pureed berries to a regular oil and vinegar dressing,It lends a sweetness perfect for a grilled chicken or salmon salad. They're also good sliced along with apples and cranberries in an arugula salad. You can also try them in a marinade.Peaches, big this time of year as well, can also be added to any sauce to lend an unusual spin on barbecue marinades or chutney.

Yes, we are surrounded by fruit right now. However don't get turned off by eating it the plain old way.Melons and berries are wonderful in other dishes. Explore the variations right now.

Put Your Garden Into Breakfast

Recently I wrote about having an overabundance of fruits and veggies With it came a variety of ideas about what to do with your surplus yields. I forgot to mention that you can channel all these homegrown extras into tasty breakfasts that are full of freshness and vitamins. Best of all they;re a great way of starting off a day .

Veggies and eggs go hand in hand. You can whip up a nice crisp tomato basil frittata for a Sunday brunch or a spinach and onion omelet.Another fun thing is adding some herbs such as dill and tarragon to your scrambled eggs or even a sunny side up one. If you're growing mushrooms, then think about a breakfast mushroom cap filled with scrambled eggs , cheddar and bacon for something different.Remember you can also juice veggies too. Consider a glass of fresh made tomato juice or even one made from spinach and carrots to jump start your day.

Fruit is always a good breakfast treat. You're in luck if you're growing melon. Nothing beats a slice of melon and coffee or tea for a good slim down breakfast. Strawberries and blueberries are also good whether in a salad made in to preserve s or baked into muffins and scones. even just a side of fresh berries and cinnamon are a nice end to a savory breakfast.

Make sure breakfasts also benefit form your harvests. It's a nice way of adding not just variety but taste flavor and most importantly vitamins. You'll start the day feeling healthy thanks to to all those bumper crops!!!

NOTE: Foodie Pantry will probably be off for a few days due to technical difficulties. (thanks to me getting a DSL line installed.I may be back online Wednesday or Thursday!)