You are going to love this healthy dessert from Italy. Yes, dessert and healthy can be used in the same sentence! It’s a little like a deconstructed fruit cake--only scrumptious and strikingly pretty. In an air-tight container or Ziploc plastic bag, combine your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and any leftover candy and cookies you have on hand. When you want to serve a portion, add a splash of orange or apple juice and a diced pear and pass the spoons. You can even add a splash of rum or your favorite liqueur if you like. There are lots of ways to vary the flavor. Nut, Fruit & Sweets From Dolci: Italy’s Sweets (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) by Francine Segan Serves 10 A terrific no-cook, no-fuss dessert. 1 ½ cups assorted dried fruit, chopped 1 ½ cup assorted chopped nuts 2 to 3 cups assorted left-over candy bars, chopped 8 to 10 cookies, coarsely chopped Orange juice Optional add-ins: diced fresh pear, apple or other fruit. Rum, whiskey, or liqueurs like limoncello or amaretto Optional toppings: Yogurt or whipped cream In a Ziploc bag or plastic container with a lid, combine the dried fruit, nuts, candies, and cookies. Seal and reserve in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. An hour before serving, put the amount you’ll need into a dish and stir in enough orange juice to moisten the mixture. If you like, add in fruit and a splash of booze. Serve topped with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.
