Sweet Summertime Salsa

Who doesn't love to dip? Think veggies and hummus, fruit and yogurt, chips and salsa. All are great ways to increase fruit and veggie intake, especially in children. Salsa is a wonderful way to use and enjoy local fresh fruits and veggies.

This fruit salsa uses apples and fresh berries, and pairs well with pre-made or homemade cinnamon tortilla chips. Apples and berries are both good sources of potassium and vitamin C. Potassium helps with muscle contractions and vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds.

Here are tips for preparing a fruit salsa:

• Try making your own whole wheat cinnamon tortilla chips to increase whole grain consumption.
• This recipe is best fresh, consider making half the recipe the first time you make it to avoid waste.
• Let your little ones help make this recipe. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 can gather ingredients, rinse produce, and help combine ingredients. Children five and older can use a plastic, kid-friendly knife to help cut soft produce, like the strawberries and kiwi in this recipe.
• If you don't have one of the fruits listed, use what you have. Blueberries or peaches work too. You can also substitute another flavor of fruit preserves.
• Be sure to rinse the fresh fruit under cool running water to avoid foodborne illness.
• Supervise children when they help in the kitchen to ensure they are safe and choose age-appropriate tasks based on their skill level.