“5-A-Day” Fruits and Vegetables

Do you get the recommended “5-A-Day” of fruits and vegetables? That means 2 fruits and 3 vegetables, or 3 fruits and 2 vegetables, or maybe even 4 vegetables and 1 fruit! Bottom line, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables is a simple way to make your diet healthier! It’s grilling season, so don’t forget that many fruits and vegetables cook on the grill well. Often times, grilling produce can create a very tasty and unique flavor. Try grilling vegetables as your side dish, or grill up some fruit as your healthy dessert. Remember, a healthier diet is as simple as increasing fruit and vegetable intake!

The first recipe is for grilled vegetables, from Cooking Light/MyRecipes.com (https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-asparagus-rafts)

Grilled Asparagus Rafts

Ingredients:

• 16 thick asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare grill to high heat.
2. Snap off tough ends of asparagus. Arrange 4 asparagus spears on a flat surface. Thread 2 (3-inch) skewers or toothpicks horizontally through spears 1 inch from each end to form a raft. Repeat procedure with remaining asparagus spears.
3. Combine soy sauce, oil, and garlic; brush evenly over asparagus rafts. Grill 3 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, pepper, and salt.

The second recipe is for grilled fruit, from Cooking Light/MyRecipes.com (https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/marinated-grilled-apples-with-mint)

Marinated Grilled Apples with Mint

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and each cut crosswise into 4 (1/2-inch) slices
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add apple slices; seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 to 2 hours, turning bag occasionally.
2. Prepare grill.
3. Remove apple from bag, reserving marinade. Place apple slices on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 3 minutes on each side, turning and basting frequently with reserved marinade. Arrange apple slices on a platter; drizzle with any remaining marinade.