Food has a variety of meanings that go far beyond satisfying hunger. From baptisms to funerals, food is used for celebrations and for comfort. In many cases, the foods are soft, warm and quite bland in flavor. For some, mashed potatoes and gravy bring solace. Others might opt for foods representing their cultural heritage.
Aromas also can bring back special memories.
This nostalgic salad can do double duty as a dessert. It's a tasty way to work toward five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. A medium-size whole fruit, such as an apple or an orange, or a half cup of fresh or canned fruit is a serving. And since the optional cup of coconut contributes about 410 calories and 28 grams of fat to the entire recipe, you could reduce the quantity or leave it out entirely if coconut is not your favorite. You could also substitute equal amounts of other types of fruit or use fresh fruit in season.