Katie Howard, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – My five-year-old daughter Hannah is the inspiration for this Good to Go post. Recently, while in the produce aisle of the grocery store, she asked if I would buy some “cherry blossom fruit.”
I was relieved that she didn’t want some unnecessary toy, candy, processed treat or other item that grocery stores tend to display at the checkout lanes, enticing children and challenging parents to use their best disciplinary practice or creative negotiating skills.
But I was confused as to what she meant by “cherry blossom fruit.” When I asked her for clarification, Hannah ran and grabbed a carton of raspberries.
“See. They look like cherry blossoms,” she said.
Now that is something I can get behind. So, we placed the “cherry blossom fruit” in the cart.
Inspired by the anticipation for peak bloom of Washington’s beloved cherry blossoms — and in the spirit of the National Cherry Blossom Festival — this tasty creation fully embraces the springtime excitement in the D.C. area.
These treats are delicious and easy, and make for a fun and engaging family activity.
Cherry blossom treats
Note: Cherry blossom treats are best presented on white or plain colored dishes or dessert plates.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 cartons of raspberries
- Chocolate sauce or syrup (we used Hershey’s Syrup)
- Individual sponge cakes or dessert shells
- Dessert cream (Cool Whip also works)
Cherry blossoms, version 1:
1. Use the chocolate syrup or sauce to design the base or backdrop of the cherry blossom tree and the branches.
2. To make the blossoms, place raspberries around and on the chocolate branches.
Cherry blossoms, version 2:
1. Crush a handful of raspberries and whip them in the dessert cream to create a pink hue.
2. Fill up a small cake dessert cup or shell with the cream. Place raspberries in the cream and also place them around the cup like petals.
3. Place chocolate syrup around the base of the cup as a garnish or dipping sauce.
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Editor’s Note: WTOP’s Katie Howard is a mom on the go. With two children under age 5, she’s always looking for ways to provide her family fast and healthy snacks, meals and activities. Katie shares her go-to food and family fitness tips every Tuesday on her blog “Good to Go.”
Follow @WTOPLiving on Twitter.
