It’s almost really spring. That means that I am trying to watch what I eat. Therefore, I am eating a lot of fruit. That’s OK because I love fruit. Eating fruit is not only good for you, it makes you feel good. Biting into a crisp apple or sinking your teeth into a naturally sweet nectarine makes your whole body say, “Ahhh.”

My husband is getting ready to plant our garden in a couple of weeks. In a few months, I’ll be up to my neck in tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers and potatoes. But, last year, I planted fruit trees. My nectarine tree is covered with little baby fruit. My yard now includes peach trees, apple trees, cherry trees, pecan trees, walnut trees and even a nectarine tree.

If you want to spend extra time outside, eat at the picnic table or take a quick, cool lunch to the lake, fruit is a good solution. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing when it’s hot outside, healthy and reasonably inexpensive.

None of these recipes are difficult or time consuming. The first recipe is just a simple syrup that you cut nectarines (or peaches) into and serve with ice cream, Crème Fraîche or whipped cream.

The second recipe is a tart. In my recipe I make the crust from scratch, but it isn’t a crust that you have to knead or work with. You toss it into the food processor. If you don’t want to do that, you can use a sugar cookie dough from the dairy case of the grocery store. But, try the homemade one, it’s quick and easy and will taste better.

Recipe No. 3 is a cooler. When it’s 80 degrees outside, let the kids help make this one. Then after it’s chilled, take it outside under a tree and have an impromptu picnic.

These recipes will give you some great desserts or treats without a lot of fuss and muss. That way, we can spend that extra few minutes outside enjoying the spring weather.

Warm Nectarines with Lemon Syrup

1/4 Cup Butter

2 Cups Granulated Sugar

2 Lemons, zested and juiced

1 1/4 Lbs Fresh Nectarines, peeled & sliced (you can add other fruits as well)

Crème Fraîche, or Vanilla Ice Cream