There is nothing better than fresh fruit in the summertime. But sometimes fruit sits for a few days and becomes too ripe or soft. Do not throw it away. It is still good to eat. You can use it in salsas or in cold summer drinks. Here are some easy ways to turn a summer meal into a fruity treat.

Frosty Frozen Drinks

Berry-Peach Cooler

Put 2 cups fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries in a blender or medium-sized bowl. Cut 2 ripe peaches in half and remove stones. Mash fruit with a fork. Add to bowl with berries. Add 12 crushed or cracked ice cubes. Whirl or mix until drink is smooth and ice is melted. Makes two servings.

Plum-Cranberry Drink

Cut 6 ripe plums in half and remove stones. Chop plums into small pieces or mash them with a fork. Put them in a blender or large bowl. Add one 6-ounce can of frozen cranberry concentrate and 1 cup of water. Whirl or mix until smooth. Makes 8 servings.

Peach-Pineapple Frosted

Cut two ripe peaches into quarters. Put into large blender or bowl. Add 1 cup non-fat or low-fat milk, 1/4 cup undiluted frozen orange-pineapple concentrate, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Whirl or mix until drink is smooth. Add 3 cracked ice cubes and let melt. Mix well. Serve cold. Makes 4 servings.

Servings: Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Salsa is a sauce with chopped ingredients in it. Salsa is delicious over grilled pork, chicken or fish. You can also spoon it over a warm flour tortilla. Roll up the tortilla and eat it as a sandwich. This salsa is sweet and tangy.

You will need:

• 2 ripe peaches

• 2 ripe plums

• 1 medium-sized red onion

• 1/3 cup raisins

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)

Cut peaches and plums in half and remove stones. Cut fruit into small pieces (about 1/4-inch squares). Peel onion. Cut onion into small pieces (about 1/4-inch squares). Put all the ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Mix them all together with a spoon. Cover and put in refrigerator until it is time to serve.

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