As you ponder what desserts to prepare for your holiday celebrations, I encourage you to consider the following Quick Fruit Salad recipe prepared by Bailey Keating, an 11-year-old Greenwood/Slidell 4-Her, for this fall’s District 4-H Food Show.

In preparation for competition Bailey learned about healthy dessert choices. Her efforts earned her first-place honors in the Junior Desserts category.

These days, doctors recommend we eat at least five fruit or vegetables a day, which keep up your immunity and maintain your vitamin and nutrient level. Lack of nutrients can lead to a weak immune system, gradually leading to illness.

Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases.

Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

I encourage you to try this quick and easy recipe. Merry Christmas, everyone!

QUICK FRUIT SALAD

• 1 can (21 oz.) peach pie filling
• 3 firm bananas, sliced
• 2 cups strawberries, quartered
• 1 cup seedless grapes
• 10 dollops whipped cream topping, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a bowl except whipped cream topping. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top each with one dollop of whipped cream just before serving.

Number of servings: 10