Childhood Memories - Surprise Fruits

Surprise Fruits: A Delicious Summer Salad

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

On a scorching summer day, when the sun shines brightly, nothing is more refreshing than a colorful and fresh fruit salad. This 'Surprise Fruits' recipe is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones, evoking childhood memories of play and joy. Combining sweet and fragrant fruits with a splash of semi-dry white wine, this salad becomes a true delicacy, full of surprises in both taste and appearance.

Main ingredients:

- 1 kg small green sweet grapes
- 4-5 ripe kiwis
- 1 can of pineapple in its own juice (without syrup)
- 250 ml semi-dry white wine (we recommend Fetească)
- 250 ml syrup (made from 100 g sugar and 150 ml water, with added cloves and vanilla bean)
- 300 ml whipped cream
- Fruits and leaves of pysallis for decoration

Step by step for a perfect salad:

1. Preparing the fruits:
Start by thoroughly washing all the fruits under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Then, detach the grapes from their stems, ensuring you choose the sweetest and juiciest ones. Peel the kiwi and cut it into medium-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.

2. Combining the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grapes, kiwi pieces, and diced pineapple (make sure to use pineapple from the can, without syrup, to avoid an overly sweet salad). This fruit combination will bring a vibrant mix of colors and textures.

3. Adding the wine:
Pour the semi-dry white wine over the fruit mixture. It is important to use quality wine, as it will influence the final taste of the salad. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time will allow the fruits to absorb the flavors of the wine, transforming the salad into a truly delicious experience.

4. Preparing the syrup:
While the fruits are marinating, you can prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with water and add the cloves and vanilla bean. Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let the syrup cool.

5. Finalizing the salad:
After the 30 minutes are up, take the bowl with fruits out of the fridge and add the cooled syrup and the juice from the can of pineapple. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients.

6. Serving:
Distribute the salad into individual cups or bowls. Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top and decorate with fruits and leaves of pysallis for an elegant appearance. These less common fruits will not only add a splash of color but also an exotic touch.

Helpful tips:

- Choose fresh fruits: When buying grapes and kiwis, opt for those that are firm and blemish-free. They will provide a more flavorful salad.
- The wine: If you don’t have semi-dry white wine, you can experiment with rosé wine, which will offer an interesting flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftover salad, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge, but not for more than 2 days, to ensure the fruits remain fresh.
- Alcohol-free version: If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the wine with grape juice or sparkling mineral water, keeping the freshness intact.

Nutritional benefits:

This fruit salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Grapes are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C, kiwi is rich in vitamin K and fiber, and pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Additionally, whipped cream adds a touch of creaminess and refinement.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can add seasonal fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or peaches to vary the flavor.
- How can I reduce sugar? You can omit the syrup or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, depending on your preferences.
- Can it be prepared a day in advance? It is recommended to prepare the salad a day in advance, but add the whipped cream and decoration just before serving to maintain the texture and appearance.

Pairing suggestions:

This fruit salad pairs perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a refreshing mint iced tea. You can also serve it as a dessert alongside a piece of chocolate cake or lemon mousse, creating a refined and tasty menu.

In conclusion, the 'Surprise Fruits' salad is a wonderful choice for hot summer days, being not just a dessert but also an explosion of flavors and colors. So, take the time to enjoy this simple and delicious recipe, bringing a touch of joy to every meal! Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or as a refreshing dessert for family, this salad will surely impress. Savor every spoonful and let yourself be carried away by the memories of summer!