Chafing Dish Fruit
A delightful chilled fruit dish featuring a medley of canned fruits enhanced with citrus rinds and dates, perfect for gatherings or a refreshing dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the canned apricot, peach, pear, and pineapple halves.
- Combine 2/3 cup of syrup from each fruit in a saucepan.
- Add orange juice and grated rinds of orange and lemon; simmer uncovered until reduced by half.
- If the mixture is too sweet, stir in the juice of 1 orange and 1/2 lemon.
- Transfer the mixture to the top of a double boiler.
- Add drained fruit and chopped dates; cook for about 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, an electric frying pan can be used for cooking.
- When ready to serve, transfer to a chafing dish and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar content by using fresh fruits instead of canned or use unsweetened fruit options. Be cautious when simmering the syrup; overcooking can result in a burnt taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Jello With Applesauce for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful fruit dish warm in a chafing dish for gatherings or family meals. It works well as a side dish or dessert and pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a brunch, consider serving alongside a refreshing beverage like Spicy Hawaiian Punch for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chafing Dish Fruit contains roughly 186 calories, with 2g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can provide a brighter flavor and better texture. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as fresh fruits tend to cook faster. Just ensure the fruits are ripe for the best taste and sweetness.
What can I substitute for dates?
If you don't have dates, you can use dried apricots or figs as a substitute. They will add a similar sweetness and texture to the dish. Just chop them into small pieces before adding them to the mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains only fruits and natural juices. Just ensure that any canned fruits you choose are packed in juice or water rather than syrup to keep it healthy and in line with vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).