WHAT ARE WE HAVING FOR DESSERT?

Why have our kids suddenly decided that dessert is something that comes after every dinner?  Could it be that chocolate-chip banana bread that our sweet friend brought for a holiday treat?  Or maybe the box - yes, an entire box - of assorted homemade cookies we brought home from the cookie exchange party last weekend?  Or maybe it's the toffee we're making to give to friends?  Oh, the holidays.

Well here's a good answer to all that dessert craziness.  This is just a good, healthy dessert or snack to keep around this winter, while the citrus is so gorgeous.  Children will love it, and so will you.

GRAPEFRUIT & ORANGE SALAD

(you don't have to actually say the word "salad" to the kids)

grapefruit

oranges

dried, sweetened cranberries

To remove the peel and membranes from the grapefruit and oranges, work one piece of fruit at a time.  Cut off the top and bottom of the fruit, and stand it upright.  Cut down following the curve of the fruit, removing the rind and all of the white pith in thick strips.  Once the peel and pith is removed, slice as close as you can between the membrane and the fruit, making angled cuts to release the segments.

Once you've removed all the orange and grapefruit segments sans membranes, cut them in half and toss them in a bowl with the dried cranberries.  Refrigerate for a while, as the cranberries and juice will mix together to plump the berries and sweeten the citrus.  Once all of this comes together, you really won't believe it's just fruit that you're eating.  Best part - neither will your kids.