Spring is finally here! Now is the time to cast aside your long pants and sweaters to make way for warmer weather to arrive. Likewise, heartier winter meals get replaced with lighter food options. Despite the culinary shift, it’s still just as important to eat foods that are healthy and not harmful to you or your child’s braces. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid any food that is overly sticky, crunchy, hard, or sugary, as it can get stuck in wires and even break off brackets. That’s why our team at Legendary Smiles would like to share a few of our favorite springtime recipes with you. These meals are not only delicious but also safe to eat with braces. Enjoy!

Fruit Salad with Limoncello

A fruit salad is a classic, refreshing treat for the upcoming warm months. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day!

Ingredients:

7 ounces Greek yogurt
1/3 cup bottled lemon curd
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons limoncello liqueur
1 banana, sliced
Fresh mint springs

Directions (Serves 6):

• Whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon curd, honey, and vanilla to make the lemon yogurt topping. Set aside at room temperature.
• Mix together the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sugar, and limoncello, and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before adding the banana.
• Place fruit mixture in bowls, top with lemon yogurt and a sprig of fresh mint, and serve!

Recipe via the Food Network

Pasta Primavera

This pasta/salad hybrid dish is perfect for enjoying the weather outdoors!

Ingredients:

2 or 3 ripe tomatoes
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup shredded basil leaves
1 pound penne or bow-tie pasta
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions (Serves 4):

• For the sauce: cut the tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and place into a bowl. Add the chopped garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and basil leaves and toss well.
• For the pasta: bring about 8 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stir well, and boil uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
• Add about 6 ounces of hot pasta water to the sauce.
• Drain the pasta and add it immediately to the sauce. Toss thoroughly.
• Place the pasta into 4 bowls, and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.

Recipe via The Food Network

Contact Your Reno Orthodontist!

We hope that these recipes will help make your spring more enjoyable. If you have any questions regarding what foods to avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment, just give us a call at (775) 332-1750 and we will be happy to assist you. Bon appétit!