Fruit Cocktail with Juice

Store unopened cans in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, transfer contents to an airtight container and refrigerate. Discard if can is damaged or bulging.

Drain the fruit cocktail well before adding it to salads or baked goods to avoid making them soggy.

Use the reserved juice as a base for smoothies, or to sweeten yogurt or oatmeal.

Rinse the fruit lightly if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

Whipped cream or yogurt

Ice cream

Cottage cheese

Salad greens

Cream cheese

Using the syrupy liquid from the can directly in recipes without accounting for its sweetness.

Forgetting to drain the fruit for dishes where excess liquid would be undesirable.