Mixed Fruit Jello Cupcakes

Kids love sweet treats, but its the responsibility of parents to watch what they eat, and how much, so we can prevent childhood obesity. Everyone knows the importance of eating at least 2 servings of fruits per day, and here's an innovative way to get your kids to eat fruits, and enjoy then too! These Mixed Fruit Jello Cupcakes are very easy to make, and extremely versatile. I've made mine using POM juice, cranberries, pineapple, mango and some chopped nuts. And the most important thing, these all natural fruit cups contain less than 2 tbsp of sugar! So, these low-sugar, high antioxidant, high vitamin-C treats are perfect for your kids, and your maternal instincts!

This is my contribution to the MM-Low Sugar Treats event that we are proudly hosting over at The Daily Tiffin this month!

Ingredients
2 cups POM juice
1 cup Kerns Mango-Pineapple juice
1 pkg JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Gelatin
1/2 cup craisins
a handful of chopped walnuts and pistachios

Method
Boil the 2 cups of POM juice till it starts to bubble. In another bowl, take the mango-pineapple juice and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let stand for about 1 min, and allow the gelatin to bloom.

Now pour the warm POM juice into this bowl and stir well to mix the gelatin. Add the craisins and chopped nuts.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Pour the juice mixture into each cup, about 1/2 to 3/4 full. Sprinkle with some more nuts if needed. Then refrigerate it for at least 3-4 hours, until the Jello sets.

Before serving, remove the paper liners and serve the delicious and healthy Mixed Fruit Jello Cupcakes - an ideal treat any time of the day!

Fruit and Cheese Appetizer Skewers

When you want a lavish party with appetizers, main course and desserts, yet you want to keep it as simple as possible, fruits and cheese are the best combinations for an appetizer. My husband made these for me once, and since then these simple Fruit and Cheese Sticks have become my favourites! With all the goodness of fruits, lots of anti-oxidants, vitamins, fiber and water content, as well as the proteins coming from the cheese , they are a perfect snack anytime of the day. Believe me, these tiny delights are so good you wouldn't be able to stop at one:)

Ingredients
1 pkt Monterey-Jack Cheese-cut into small cubes (you can choose any other cheese too)
seedless red/green grapes
small strawberries - cut into halves
kiwis (optional) - cut into small pieces
fresh pineapples - cut into cubes the size of the cheese cubes
Toothpicks or small wooden skewers

For Dipping Sauce
1 small pkt of JELL-O Vanilla Pudding
1 pkt flavored low-fat yogurt (strawberry or peach)

Method
Arrange 2 pieces of cheese cubes, grapes and strawberries on each toothpick.
Make the jello pudding as directed on the packet. Serve these beautiful and tasty fruit and cheese kababs with the flavored yoghurt and pudding as dipping sauces. This makes a great appetizer or a side dish with salads.

Tip: If you are not keen on the sweet dipping sauces, you can combine lemon juice, sugar, and some chaat masala and drizzle it on the fruits only (not cheese) before arranging the sticks and serve it as a sweet and sour treat!