Cinnamon Yogurt Fruit Dip

 

Today is my birthday.

But, my birthdays will never be the same.

Mom’s phone call used to be the first one I’d receive every year on my birthday.

I miss her cheerful raspy voice on the other end of the line telling me how much she loves me and how proud she is of me and how she can’t believe I’m growing up.  I miss that comforting feeling knowing she was there, no matter what.

So I guess birthdays for me are bittersweet.  I’m happy to be alive and healthy and raising a family but, I’m always reminded of that huge void in my life.

This year is different though.  As I reminisce about the past twelve months, I can crack a smile knowing that I’ve managed to fill part of that deep void with very tangible memories of Mom through her food.  I’ve welcomed her back into my kitchen and into our hearts, and I will continue to keep her spirit alive.  And, I do sense that Mom is smiling down on me in complete and utter awe that I’m actually COOKING.

I thought I’d celebrate today by sharing one of the simplest recipes in Mom’s collection.  It’s perfect for summertime and is as refreshing as it is sweet.  I remember enjoying dipping fresh ripe summer fruits (from the farm stand) into the cool, creamy yogurt dip.  Now, decades later, I’m finally realizing that the dip I always regarded as so mysteriously decadent is not only easy to make, it only requires three ingredients!  How about that?

You can make this dip on a total whim.  You only need plain yogurt (I used my favorite GREEK yogurt- CHOBANI); cinnamon and some honey.  That’s it.  Simply mix the ingredients together, refrigerate your dip, and slice up some of your favorite fruits to go along with it.

There’s nothing better than serving up some fruit (salad) and enhancing the experience with a cool, creamy, yogurt-based dip.

I love the fact that I’m one year older but, in the kitchen, I’ll always feel like a kid. Mom’s kid.