Fruit Toppings

Fresh, frozen or canned fruit all can make delicious toppings for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, desserts...all sorts of things. And they are really easy to make.

Peach Syrup
One fresh peach, sliced into thin wedges, or 1 can peach slices, juice drained
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup-1 cup sugar (to taste)
Dash of cinnamon

Combine butter and lemon juice in a small saucepan and stir until butter melts. Add sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add peaches and and cinnamon. Simmer together until syrup turns peach-colored and peaches are soft. Serve warm or allow to cool. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Strawberry Sauce

3 cups fresh strawberries or 1 pkg. (16 ounces) frozen unsweetened strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Thaw berries if frozen. Place half the berries in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Repeat with other half of berries. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and sugar. Add berry puree. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer to bowl. Cover and chill for at least an hour.

Caramel Apple Sauce

In a medium saucepan cook 1 1/2 cups of peeled, thinly sliced apple with 1 Tablespoon butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Stir in 1/2 cup whipping cream and 1 Tablespoon apple juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.