FRUIT AND CHEESE KEBABS

Before every show with Little Big Town, we gather together backstage in a little huddle for a quick prayer and some rowdy words of encouragement. Afterward, we pass around a honey bear, tilting back our heads, each taking a squeeze to soothe our throats before we go out and start singing. In that spirit, these bright fruit skewers drizzled with vanilla-infused honey have gotten to be a favorite snack that I bring to the studio when we’re rehearsing or recording.

Makes 6 kebabs

You will need six 8-inch skewers.

3 NECTARINES, CUT INTO 6 WEDGES

18 MINT LEAVES

18 DRIED WHOLE APRICOTS

18 ONE-INCH CUBES GOUDA CHEESE

½ CUP HONEY

1 VANILLA BEAN, SPLIT LENGTHWISE

1. Place the ingredients on each of six 8-inch skewers in this order: nectarine section, mint leaf, dried apricot, cube of Gouda. Repeat twice on the same skewer.

2. Place the honey in a small bowl and scrape the vanilla seeds into the bowl. Stir to combine. Drizzle the skewers with vanilla honey and serve.

SOUTHERN MOTHER: These colorful kebabs are a mouthful of goodness, with protein, calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.