Pretty, Yummy Fruit Salad (Ree Drummond)

Okay, I must admit. It's not as pretty as Ree's version, but the real thing looked nicer, actually (blame it on the lighting... no no no, blame it on me who was so long to finally kick my butt and started doing the preparation only in the early evening, and by the time it was ready it's dark outside!) 
But taste wise, I was pretty sure it matched LOL
Really nice, sweet and tangy, so refreshing!
I made this yesterday and this morning I tasted again, even though the fruits were not as fresh and crunchy anymore, but it tasted even better. I reckoned the sauce has been fully absorbed. Yum!

 

 

What you need:

 

1 cup sugar (I used only 1/2 cup)

1 cup water

zest of and orange

juice of an orange

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (equivalent to about 48 large strawberries)

2 pints blueberries (equivalent to 400g)

2 cups red grapes, halved (equivalent to 300g)

2 cups green grapes, halved (I replaced with cut green kiwis - 2 cups equivalent to 340g)

1 cup fresh raspberries (my addition, equivalent to 150g)

mint leaves - for garnish

 

Method:

1. Place the sugar, water, orange juice and orange zest into a small saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 to thicken slightly. Set aside to cool, then store in the fridge until cold
2. Mix together all the fruit in a large bowl and pour the syrup over the top, tossing gently. Garnish with mint leaves and serve

 

Note:

* The sugar used highly dependant on the sweetness of the fruits used. I used half of the suggested amount since my orange, blueberries and red grapes were sweet. Final result, the sweetness was just right to me

 



 

This post is also linked to Cook like a Star, organised by Zoe from Bake for Happy Kids, Yen from Eat your heart out and Mich from Piece of Cake