Recipe: Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 20-oz. can Sliced Peaches
1 15-oz. can Mandarin Orange Slices
1 20-oz. can Pineapple Chunks
1 jar Maraschino Cherries, halved if desired
1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding
2 ripe Bananas, cut into thick slices
24 fresh Strawberries, cored and halved
1 Honeydew Melon, cut into chunks

Instructions:

Drain canned fruits and place in a large mixing bowl, making sure to reserve the liquids from the sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and cherries. Prepare vanilla pudding as directed on the package, with one exception: Substitute the reserved fruit liquids for the amount of milk called for. The recipe works best if you prepare the canned fruits and the pudding the day before serving and refrigerate both overnight. In the morning, prepare the fresh fruits as directed. Add the bananas, strawberries, and honeydew melon to the pudding and canned fruit. Stir well to combine.

Kitchen Staff Tips: Nearly any fruit you desire will work well in this recipe. Substitute canned apricots or pears for the peaches, or cantaloupe for the honeydew melon, kiwi fruit for bananas, or use just whatever fruit your family likes best. Also, about a cup of walnuts or unsweetened coconut makes a great addition to the recipe. If you're serving your fruit salad as a dessert, a dab of freshly whipped cream makes a great addition to each serving.
1