It is really that simple -- more fruits and vegetables matter. Fruits and vegetables pack a nutritional punch (provide a lot of nutrients) and minimal calories.

This is very important for a nation of people who are overfed yet undernourished. Make a pledge to eat just one more fruit or vegetable every day.

Here is a dessert recipe including a delicious new fruit the Pluot (a hybrid cross between a plum and apricot). These fruits are delicious and are eaten right out of your hand but this little dessert is pretty good, too. The original recipe can be found here.

Pluot Filled Fillo Cups with Honey Almonds

• 2 pluots, chopped
  
• ¼ cup dried apricots (chopped)
  
• 1 ½ Tbs. honey
  
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
  
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
  
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
  
• 15 mini fillo cups

-Preheat oven to 375.
-Toss the pluots in honey, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, then set aside. Make the crushed honey almonds. Distribute the pluots evenly into the fillo cups and top with almonds.
-Bake at 375 for 12 minutes.
-Alternatively, you can evenly divide the almonds in the fillo shells and top with fruit then bake as directed. Serve immediately as they will get soggy.

Crushed Honey Butter Almonds

• ½ cup almonds
  
• 1 Tbs. honey
  
• 1 Tbs. trans fat free margarine (Smart Balance was used)

  -Finely chop almonds or place almonds in a food processor and pulse three times in 2 second intervals.
  -Spread almond on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.
  -Cool almonds completely.
  -Melt the honey and margarine and toss with cooled almonds.

  Yield: 5 servings (Serving size: 3 fillo shells)

  Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 170, Fat 6g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 50mg, Carbohydrate 30g, Fiber 1g, Protein 3g.

  Percent Daily Value: 60% Vitamin C

  Carbohydrate Choice: 1 Carbohydrate Choice

  ---

  Have information or an opinion about this story? Click here to contact the newsroom.

  ---

  Copyright WRDW-TV News 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished without express written permission.