4 Fruity Ideas for Eid

By Nazima Qureshi

As Ramadan comes to an end, the excitement for Eid is slowly beginning. After a month of fasting, Eid is a religious festival that consists of lots of socializing with family and friends and even more food. As a dessert-loving dietitian, I am all about indulging in dessert, especially on special occasions like Eid. Incorporating fruit into your Eid festivities is a great way to add more variety and sneak in some nutritional value. Having fruit at the table also helps lighten up the menu so guests don’t feel too sluggish after overeating.

Here are 4 ways to include fruit on Eid that will wow your guests while also sneaking in some nutritious options:

1. Chocolate Covered Strawberry bouquet
   

Everyone loves chocolate! Your guests will be delighted to see chocolate covered strawberries that they will forget they are having nutritious fruit!

To make chocolate covered strawberries, follow these simple steps:

• Wash and completely dry 1 package of strawberries and set aside.
• Melt 2 packages of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double broiler. To make your own double broiler, heat a pot of boiling water, place a metal bowl on top and place your chocolate chips in the bowl. Make sure the water level is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Remove from heat when about half of the chocolate chips have melted. Stir until all chocolate is melted.
• Once chocolate is melted, dip strawberries in chocolate and place strawberries on a tray lined with parchment paper.
• Optional: dip strawberries in extra toppings such as crushed nuts, coconut or drizzle with melted white chocolate
• Place chocolate covered strawberries in fridge until chocolate is hardened.
• To serve, place on platter or put on skewers and place in vase for a chocolaty bouquet!

2. Fruit Kebabs
   

Fruit kebabs are a fun and colourful way to enjoy fruit. This is a popular option for kids and adults. Get your kids involved by asking them to help make the fruit kebabs once you cut up the fruit. 

To make fruit kebabs, follow these simple steps:

• Cut up your favourite fruit into 1-inch cubes. If you are using berries, keep them whole. Use a variety of colours of fruit.
• Thread fruit on to skewers. Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Watermelon Fruit Bowl 

One of my favourite things about summer is watermelon! Jazz up your regular fruit salad by serving it in a hollowed out watermelon. To make a watermelon fruit bowl, follow these steps:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

• Cut up a variety of fruit and place in bowl. Set aside.
• Cut watermelon in half. You can make a decorative edge by making triangle-like shapes on the edge. Scoop out watermelon and cut into cubes.
• Add watermelon and fruit salad to the hollowed out watermelon and serve

4. Watermelon slushies

If you are making the watermelon fruit bowl, you will have lots of leftover watermelon. Use the remaining watermelon and watermelon juices to make a quick and easy watermelon slushy:

• In a blender, add watermelon, watermelon juice, and 1-2 cups of ice and blend until smooth.
• Add a squeeze of lime to taste and a handful of mint leaves.
• Serve in individual glasses.

What are your Eid traditions? We would love to hear all about them! Be sure to tag us at @Masalamommas and @NutritionbyNaz if you try any of these fruity ideas for Eid.

Nazima Qureshi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Public Health Professional. She uses a non-diet approach (which always includes dessert!) to help others achieve a healthier lifestyle. For more information, visit www.NutritionbyNazima.com or check out her Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

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