Mix fruit, mustard for surprising taste

Slow to wake up in the morning? But you still like the idea of a breakfast or brunch treat that will start the taste buds tingling?

The following solutions call for the briefest investment of time and effort, but the rewards include a pleasing fillip to start-of-the-day standards.

The main magic is honey mustard, which combines with other ingredients to make a dip and a spread, each with its own unexpected twist. Here are the simple recipes, each with a preparation time of about 5 minutes.

Tropical Fruit Dip

1/3 cup honey mustard

1/3 cup light mayonnaise

1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon grated lime peel

Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Use as a dipping sauce for your choice of fruit, which might include banana, strawberries, pineapple, mango or melon.

Makes 2/3 cup sauce.

Fruit Butter

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons honey mustard

2 tablespoons orange marmalade

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Spoon into a ramekin. Serve as a spread with croissants, or on toasted bread, muffins or pound cake.

Makes about 1/2 cup spread.

Recipes from French's Mustard.