Sometimes you just need a simple dish to pass that comes together quickly. Or you just want a little something special for breakfast or brunch. Well, I have the perfect thing for you that packs a lot of flavor into a simple dish. No cooking required! Today I want to share with you my favorite fruit salad.
This dish came about when some vegan friends invited us over for dinner. Although not asked to, I like to contribute something. While I am not well versed in vegan baking I know fruit is always a good options. However, I didn’t want to bring just fruit. Plus I only had the humble fruits in my house- apples, bananas and peaches. So I thought and looked through my kitchen. What would pair well with these? These are all kind of breakfast-y foods so perhaps maple syrup, a little cinnamon and brown sugar? After a little chopping drizzling, sprinkling and mixing I tasted it and magic happened! Success! It reminded me of a crumble so I decided to add in some raw rolled oats. After that it really did taste like a crumble except there was no baking or heating involved!
I often make this at night so we can enjoy it with yogurt in the morning. I also take this to many potlucks to enjoy as a nice treat! This is a very easy and versatile recipe. You can make a little or a lot. You can use just 2 fruits or 4. It is up to you and what you have in your fridge. This is definitely in my top five favorite things to make and have in my cookbook. It has saved me several times from showing up empty handed!

Cinnamon Maple Fruit Salad

Materials Needed:
Bowl
Spoon
Knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients:
Apple
Banana
Peach (Optional)
Pear (Optional)
Cinnamon
Brown Sugar
Real Maple Syrup
Nutmeg (Optional)
Rolled Oats
Almonds (Optional)

Directions:
Cut up one of each fruit into bite-sized pieces*. Place in bowl. Drizzle a tablespoon or two of maple syrup.  Mix up. Then sprinkle on cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, if using, and a few teaspoons of brown sugar. Mix again so each piece of fruit is coated nicely. Taste and adjust spices as needed. Finally add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of raw rolled oats and mix.

For breakfast, I love to put plain yogurt in the bottom of a small cup or bowl, place a few generous tablespoons of the fruit salad and top with almonds. YUM! This might even make a smart match with pancakes, french toast or waffles. Just putting it out there!
I have found that this will keep a few days in the fridge. You will find a bit more liquid at the bottom of the bowl the next day. I consider this a nice bonus for drizzling over whatever vessel the fruit salad is on. 😉
*Using all four fruits would easily serve 6-8 people. I believe the above bowl holds about 4 cups. I used one medium apple, one average banana and a peach. It was very full when I was done. The above picture was taken after I filled the cups seen in the first picture.

I really hope you try this! I think you will fall in love with it too!

Wishing you good mornings and happy potlucks!
Alyssa

Looking for another great snack or dish to pass? Check out my Honey-Butter Popcorn recipe. Another favorite in this household and among friends.

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV