This section is all from Jamie, mom to 3 boys under the age of 5. We hope you enjoy her perspective!

"It's June and school is almost out! Father's Day is coming up too. Oh the fun things we can do"! Hope you like this new feature for those with kids at home (or coming to visit!)

Trying to get your kids to try new foods? My first idea is simple: get them into the kitchen! Even if they can't actively do anything (too hot/sharp), just having them in the kitchen lets them see what is going into their snacks and meals. As you go through the recipe, let them taste the raw ingredients (as long as it is safe to consume at that point, of course)! This is especially helpful in catching the kids' interest when I want them to try something new.

Please help us name this new section. Bad fruit puns are allowed! If your title is selected you'll receive a thank-you fruit gift from the Fruition team. We look forward to your input! email: fruit@ fruitiongifts.com

Fruit Lady Note: This was originally submitted by Jamie as a recipe for kids but I want some! I think it will appeal to all ages. Check it out!

Apple Snack Pack Ingredients:

Cooking Spray
2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ cup, sweetened, dried cranberries
¼ cup sliced almonds, honey roasted

Directions:
Prehat oven to 250 degrees F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking oil. Slice apples and put into a plastic zip bag. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Toss. Transfer coated apple slices to the greased cookie sheet and spread into a single layer. Place in oven for 1(one) hour. Remove and cool. Combine cooked apples with cranberries and almonds. Place equal amounts into 4 (four) zip-lock sandwich bags and refrigerate. Happy snacking!

10-12 kiwi peeled, cubed
6 oz blueberries (1 basket/clamshell pkg.)
6 oz blackberries (1 basket/clamshell pkg.)
Honeydew Melon cubed (approx. 3 cups)
Papaya cut into cubes, remove skin
Mint - 6 sprigs for garnish, 2 TBS chopped
Orange - 1 TBS zest, 2 TBS juice
Directions:

In a medium bowl combine melon, kiwi, and berries. In a small cup, combine orange zest, juice, and chopped mint. Pour minted juice over fruit and gently toss. Gently toss papaya into mixture. Garnish with mint and serve.

Jamie says: I made this "fruit salad" for a bridal shower I went to and it was the hit of the party! Note: Don't make too far ahead. The blackberries and kiwi will fall apart! (The Fruit Lady concurs. Been there, done that!)

For all our new readers, welcome, and thank you for subscribing! For all our long-time Fruit Connection fans, thank you for continued interest!

So what is the Fruit Lady up to these days? In addition to taking care of orders and corresponding with customers, working on developing my "social media skills" is keeping me hopping!

Twitter & Facebook are fun. (Although for a talkative person like me, whittling down comments to 140 characters is incredibly challenging!!) We'll let you know when the corporate Fruition Gifts Twitter account and Facebook Group are set up.

Blogging is a bit harder for me b/c it needs to be (most of the time) all my own content, and most days I am so busy taking care of orders and other biz tasks that typing up my thoughts gets put on "tomorrow's list"!

If you'd like to check out the blog, the link is below. By the way, I went with the title of "fruitchick1"...thought it sounded a little more "hip"!

Thanks to our Customer Service Director Roy for sharing his wife's recipe!

"Nila's Go-Go Ginger Garlic Roasted Vegetables" Ingredients:
4 Tbs. Nila's Go-Go Ginger Garlic chutney
3 Tbs. Tamari soy sauce
3 Tbs. Olive oil
2-3 cups potatoes sliced ¼" thick
2 cups thinly sliced onions
2 cups sliced bell peppers
1 medium eggplant sliced ¼" thick
2 cups whole small baby bella mushrooms

Directions: Mix chutney, tamari, and oil in a large bowl
Toss the veggies in the mixture to coat thoroughly
Spread the veggies in single layers on lightly oiled baking sheets Roast in preheated 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or to desired doneness

Roy & Nila's Note: We serve this with a variety of cheeses such as smoked gouda, asiago, and manchego, and good crusty bread. And if there are any leftovers, they make an awesome frittata!