Breakfast Fruit Dip

Fruit dip usually starts with a creamy base that blends well with sweet flavors. Options include plain yogurt, flavored yogurt, sour cream or softened cream cheese. The flavorings you add change the flavor slightly, but the flavor of the creamy base will still shine through. Choose a base that your child likes on its own for the best results. Low-fat or light versions of the dairy products keep a similar texture and taste to the full-fat versions, making a healthier fruit dip base.

The flavorings you add dress up the dip. Fruit flavoring is one option. Squeeze in fresh citrus juice, stir in mashed fruit or add a spoonful of fruit jam. Another simple way to flavor your cream cheese, sour cream or yogurt is to stir in a package of powdered fruit gelatin or pudding mix until it is fully incorporated and dissolved. Sweetener is also an option if your flavorings aren't sweet enough on their own. Try powdered sugar, honey, brown sugar or agave nectar. And there's no rule that says fruit has to be paired with a sweet dip, even at breakfast. Try combining sour cream with a bit of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for a zesty, savory fruit dip.

Combine the dip base and the selected flavorings with a whisk or hand mixer to integrate them fully. Start with smaller amounts of each flavoring and sweetener so you don't add too much. Taste your dip as you go to determine what else to add. Once the flavorings are balanced, add skim milk, half and half or cream to thin the mixture for easier dipping. The thinner texture also allows you to drizzle the dip over the fruit if desired. Stir in a few tablespoons of the liquid at a time to get the correct texture. If you make it too thin, add a little powdered sugar to thicken it again.

Make a large batch of the fruit dip at the beginning of the week. You'll have enough for breakfast every day without the extra work in the morning. If your kids take breakfast on-the-go, portion out the fruit dip into small, plastic containers with secure lids. Send the kids out the door with a bag of fruit and a container of dip for a healthy, portable breakfast.