Pears soaked and bathed in wine, juice and spices transform themselves into luscious jewels. A very elegant dessert indeed!

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Even though Fall has officially made its entry here, the summer colors are still dominant. The morning and evening air is sure cool and crispy but gets pretty warm during the day. The markets are still displaying abundance of summer fruits, the color and texture of which are tough to resist. The maples leaves are confused to whether it is time it should turn red or still be green.

But it is definitely pleasant and the drone of the air condition is almost gone. And it is very very nice to sit outside in the yard in the evenings… and relax, watch the kids frolicking in high spirits.

Talking of spirits… I decided to add some to my fruit salad this time. Nice change to the already delicious fruit mix. There is no rule to what fruits you can add, just toss in whatever you personally find sensational. I have only written about what i used this particular time. I always use nuts whenever I make a fruit salad, any kind of nut. Clementines and berries would have been a lovely touch to this, but I did not have any at hand. But I did use fresh juicy figs. Figs have just awesome color, texture and taste. This actually turned out to be a great refreshing  dessert for us – a well balanced harmony of color, taste and flavor.

This is being sent to real Epicurean’s “In the Bag” for ITB September: Fruit and Nuts

Ingredients:

1. 1 Nectarine chopped
2. 1 Plum Chopped
3. 1 Apple Chopped
4. 6 Fresh Figs vertically sliced
5. 1 Banana chopped
6. 6 Strawberries (Slice 4 and Leave 2 for garnish)
7. 5 tablespoons Pecans ( may be substituted with walnuts)
8. 2 tablespoons of Raisins
9. Pinch of Fresh Rosemary
10. 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
11. A Splash of Peach Schnapp (Liqueur)
12. 2 teaspoons Clover Honey
13. 1 tablespoon sugar
14. 1″ Ginger grated & the juice squeezed out to be used.
15. A Pinch of Sea Salt
16. 4 tablespoons Heavy Creme (or readymade Cool Whip)

Preparation:

Chop all the fruits except the figs and toss together in a bowl along with the nuts, rosemary, sugar, & salt.

Whisk together ginger juice, lemon juice, & honey and stir it in the fruits. Add a splash of Peach Schnapp. Cover the bowl tight and shake the bowl for about 7-8 times. This makes the fruits release their juice. The juice at the end of the salad is the best part. Now add the figs. Cover & chill it for atleast 1/2 hour. Serve Cold.

Beat the Heavy Creme till it forms soft peaks. Layer fruits with creme in individual glasses. Top with strawberries. Serve Immediately.

Note:   Use gently ripe fruits, not the fruits which are rock hard!

            I sometimes substitute the Creme with Vanilla/Peach Icecream, or Vanilla Icecream with  a drizzle of Peach Schnapp. Do use your favorite.

Summer time is the peak time to enjoy fruits at its juiciest, freshest form. This is just a combination of different fruits/berries you can get your hands on.. add some berries & nuts & serve a healthy fruit salad. No dressing other than a squeeze of lemon or fresh orange juice & you are ready to go.

Ingredients:

1. 2 ripe bananas
2. 1 red apple
3. 1 nectarine
4. 1 orange
5. 2 teaspoons of raisins
6. 2 teaspoons of chopped almonds
7. 1 tablespoon of walnut/pecans/almond
8. ½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
9. A pinch of salt
10. 1 teaspoon sugar
11. 2 teaspoons juice of lemon/lime/orange,  freshly squeezed

For this salad, any fruits or nuts can be used in any combination you want.

Preparation:

Chop all the fruits and nuts in to little pieces.

Take the cumin seeds in the palm of your hand and rub it to release the flavor. Add them to the fruits.

Add the salt and sugar and the lemon/lime/orange juice.Toss Well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve Chilled.

Tips: You are free to sprinkle wheat germ on the fruit salad.