P is for Pineapple

L is for Lemon

Lemons grow on small evergreen trees. Most lemons contain 3 Tbsp. of juice.

Refreshing Lemon Water

1. Pour cold water into a pitcher
2. Add slices of lemon and a few tablespoons of lemon juice.
3. Enjoy in a glass with a lemon slice on the side.

It's very refreshing to drink cold water with a healthy squeeze of lemon on hot, summer days. When I brainstormed lemon recipes, I originally intended to include a "healthy" recipe for lemonade, i.e. without loads of sugar. It's such a cooling summer drink and is so popular with children. It's really hard to find a good substitute for sugar, though. Many recipes use artificial sweeteners that are probably just as bad, if not worse than sugar. Do you have any thoughts on how to make lemonade healthier?

K is for Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is named after New Zealand's brown, flightless bird - the kiwi. Kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C and has almost as much potassium as a banana. To eat kiwifruit, cut the fruit in half and scoop out the green flesh with a spoon. Enjoy!

J is for Jujube

Jujubes originated in China. Unripe jujube is green. As it ripens, it turns yellow-green and then red. Eat a jujube like an apple. Cut into 4 quarters and enjoy raw!

H is for Honeydew melon

Honeydew melon is a sweet, refreshing fruit to enjoy in the summer! In the U.S., honeydew melon is grown in California, Arizona and Texas.

Honeydew melon Smoothie

1. Cut 1/4 of a melon into chunks and remove skin.
2. Place in a blender and add 1 cup of milk or milk substitute (soy, rice, almond).
3. Blend until frothy and pour into glasses.

I think this will be delicious on a hot, summer day!

G is for Grapefruit

Grapefruits grow on evergreen trees, reaching up to 50 ft. Grapefruit flesh can be pink, white or red.

Grapefruit & Orange Salad

1. Grate skin of one orange.
2. Peel skin from 3 - 4 grapefruits and oranges and separate pulp. Place it in a bowl with the grated skin.
3. Add sugar to taste and enjoy!

My mother frequently makes this salad in the winter and it is so refreshing!

F is for Fig

Figs have a green skin that turns purple when it ripens. Figs are high in calcium.

Stewed Figs

1. Wash figs, place in pot and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes.
3. Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar and 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice along with grated lemon rind and serve.

This can be eaten as a dessert or with breakfast, spread on toast or with yogurt.

E is for Eggplant

Eggplant is native to India, and it's actually a type of berry! Eggplants grow in different shapes, some are long and narrow, others round or oval, and colors ranging from white to yellow to shades of purple.

Roasted Eggplant

1. Cut eggplant into 1/4 " rounds
2. Place on an oiled sheet and sprinkle with salt, herbs and olive oil.
3. Roast at 425 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.

Enjoy on toast or with rice or pasta!

C is for Cherry

Cherries are stone fruits, meaning they have a pit inside. In the U.S., most cherries are grown in Washington, California, Oregon and Michigan. Cherries are in season for such a short time every summer. The best way to enjoy them is wash, place in a bowl and munch away!

A is for Apple

I am creating an alphabet of fruits for children. On the front of each piece I am creating a design of the fruit and the letter in upper and lower case. The back of each piece has a couple of fun facts about the fruit and a kid-friendly recipe. The purpose of this project is to introduce young children to the alphabet in a fun, visual way and to teach healthy eating habits and encourage an interest in cooking from an early age. Please share any feedback! Thanks!

Apple, Bananna, Orange

This piece was fun to create. By outlining the fruits in white and setting them against a dark background, it creates strong contrast and an eye-popping effect. I'm working on a second piece with the same composition; however, it depicts the inside of the fruits.

Green Pears

Pink Grapefruit

Orange

Plum Tomato

Clementine

As winter approaches, I always look forward to clementine season. There is something special about this sweet fruit with the fragrant citrus aroma that only appears on the market for a few months every year. Even the typical packaging, a little wooden crate with orange netting, sets the fruit apart. I hope that you will think of this piece when you savor your next clementine!

Pomegranate

At many fruit markets in New York City, vendors will cut open a pomegranate to display the shiny, jewel-like seeds inside. I never knew before what a pomegranate looked like or that such an oddly shaped, lumpy fruit could contain such beautiful surprises inside!

Watermelon

Watermelon is one of my all-time favorite summer fruits! There is no better way to cool down on a hot summer day than with a refreshing slice of watermelon.

Cherries

I'm creating a small series of some favorite summer fruits. More to come ...

Summer's Bounty

I really enjoyed creating this piece! I wanted to showcase the bounty of fruits and vegetables available in late summer. What better way then on display in a modern, sun-drenched apartment!