Any combination of berries or cherries (or nectarines or peaches, for that matter) can be used in this sparkling dessert. Several colors make the prettiest presentation, but single-berry ambrosia is delicious too. Nonalcoholic champagne can be substituted for the real thing.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/4 cup honey, preferably berry-blossom honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 large sprigs fresh mint plus 6 smaller sprigs for garnish
2 1/2 pints mixed fresh berries, such as red or golden raspberries, blueberries, tiny strawberries, blackberries, pitted Bing or Queen Anne cherries
2 cups chilled Champagne or other sparkling white wine

1. Combine honey, lime juice and large mint sprigs in a small saucepan; warm over low heat just until the honey melts. Remove from the heat and let steep for 5 minutes; discard the mint.
2. Place the fruit in a large bowl, pour the honey mixture over and stir gently to combine. Divide the berry mixture among 6 individual goblets or dessert dishes and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 1 hour.
3. Just before serving, pour the Champagne (or other sparkling wine) over the fruit. Garnish each serving with a sprig of mint and serve.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 161 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 4 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 150 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (52% daily value).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 other carbohydrate