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Cool and Refreshing Summer Treats!
Summer is here, but have no fear! If you’re a parent with a child on summer break, you’re going to hear the words “I’m hungry” half a dozen times a day. Don’t worry though, we got you covered with some cool, refreshing, healthy, and easy to make treats.
FRUITY FROZEN YOGURT
First on the list is frozen yogurt. At only four base ingredients, it’s quick and simple to make, and extremely customizable to your family’s tastes! Plus, no ice-cream maker required! Everyone will love this sweet, guilt free snack made from all-natural and fresh ingredients.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups frozen fruit (try using strawberries, blueberries, watermelon,
peaches, pineapple, or a mixture of all!)
3 tablespoons honey
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
1. Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. I have a Ninja Blender at home that works wonders. If you see your blender struggling a bit, add a little more liquid such as fruit juice to help keep the consistency smooth.
2. If you use frozen fruit, you can scoop and serve to enjoy immediately. If you use fresh fruit, simply pour into a container with a lid and freeze until desired consistency is reached. Then just scoop and enjoy!
3. You can always add more fresh fruit as a topping, or if you really have a sweet tooth, some whip cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel. Perhaps an M&M or two?
To continue the frozen trend, what about some homemade Popsicles? Check out your local super mart, or even Amazon for some creative and fun ice-cream molds. You can get them in “standard” ice cream pop shapes or fun shapes such as stars or flowers. Regardless of their shape, these are going to be tasty!
PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA POPSICLES
Now, get that blender back out and put it to good use! Peanut Butter Banana Yogurt Popsicles are easy to make and packed full of nutritious vitamins and minerals, plus the smooth texture mimics ice cream wonderfully.
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium bananas
1/4 cup peanut butter, all-natural
1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Peel the bananas and break them up into chunks.
2. Time for the trusty blender again. Throw in all the ingredients in and blend until smooth. You may way want to scrap down the sides a few times just to make sure everything incorporated evenly.
3. For a more indulgent dessert, you an add a few handfuls of chocolate chips (make sure to look for chocolate high in cocoa, not sugar) or a few drizzles of honey.
4. Fill the Popsicle molds and insert the sticks and freeze until solid (usually around 3 hours). If you opted not to get molds, put in a freezer safe container and chill until firm.
5. Enjoy!
Tip: If you’re using molds, simply run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the Popsicle. If you enjoy granola or nuts, you can also add chopped nuts or low sugar granola to the mixture for a bit more flavor and texture, and plus more protein! YUM!
FROZEN YOGURT FRUIT BARS
This next frozen treat takes a little more time to create, though it’s completely worth it, and again, totally customizable: Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bark. Simple and easy to create, and little hands will love decorating their own. Mix and match your favorite fruits so everyone can enjoy.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup yogurt (Regular or Greek. Try plain or flavored bases such as Strawberry or Blueberry)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup frozen fruit #1
1/4 cup frozen fruit #2
1. Mix the yogurt with maple syrup or honey and place onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread. Parchment paper can be found next to the tinfoil at your local market.
2. Top yogurt with the fruits of your choice. Make sure to use bite size pieces. Try with strawberries or blueberries, or perhaps pineapple and kiwi! Mix and match to try new tasty creations.
3. Freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight. Break up and serve. Make sure to keep any left overs in an airtight container in the freezer.
WATERMELON SLUSH
Last but not least, another simple, all-natural frozen treat: Watermelon Slush. Easy to make and super refreshing to enjoy, with none of the artificial flavors and the added sugar that the slushie machine at the 7-11 uses. Click here for awesome tips about cutting watermelon to save time and make it super easy!
INGREDIENTS:
4 cup watermelon
1 lime (or 2 tablespoons lime juice)
1/2 cup coconut sugar
- Put all the ingredients to your blender and pulse until smooth and blended.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Cover and place in the freezer. Make sure the dish is level so the slush can freeze evenly!
- After 1 hour remove the slushie mixture from the freezer and use a fork to scrap any ice that has formed. Replace the lid and return to the freezer.
- After an additional 2 hours remove the slushie mixture from the fridge and use a fork to scrap any ice that has formed. The mixture should be firm but not solid. If the mixture is still a bit on the liquid side, put back in the freezer for a little longer. Remember to check and use your fork to mix the slush to keep it cooling evenly.
- Once the desired slushie consistency is reached, grab a spoon and enjoy!
We hope you’ll have fun making these cool and tasty treats with your family. Remember if you use fresh fruit, you might have to cool your mixtures a little longer. Chill times may vary as well based on your unit. As always, if you think something is wrong with your appliance, make sure to contact a repair service, like us, right away. Give us a ring at 704-824-1077 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduler if you need any help with your refrigerator other major appliances!
