Cool Snacks for a Hot Summer
by Deborah Shelton
Beat the heat with these cool summer treats!
Mouse Popsicles
It's not what you're thinking! The name refers to the size of the popsicle-not
the contents. Wash a bowl of seedless grapes, and then set the grapes in the
freezer for about an hour. Poke colored toothpicks into the grapes to serve.
Juice Pops
Summer isn't complete without homemade juice popsicles. Simply fill a popsicle
mold or an ice tray with your favorite fruit juice. Cover the ice tray with
clear plastic wrap and poke a toothpick through the plastic into each square.
Place the tray into the freezer until the popsicles are frozen solid.
Frozen Monkey Treats
Here is a healthy snack that your kids will go bananas for! Peel a banana and
cut it in half. Insert popsicle sticks into the cut ends. Dip the bananas into
yogurt or melted chocolate, and then roll the bananas in chopped nuts, crushed
cereal, or coconut shavings. Place the bananas on a small waxed paper-lined
baking sheet and set the sheet into the freezer for an hour or so. Fun to make
and even more fun to eat!
Fruit Fizzy
Don't plan your summer party without this refreshing drink. Pour one can of
Sprite (it doesn't have caffeine) into a blender, along with small ice cubes.
Add several large strawberries, a handful of blueberries, or other favorite
fruit to the mix. Blend the mixture until it has the texture of a slush. Pour
into a glass and garnish with a cherry on top.
Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and
author of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for
You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website for more family-friendly
ideas: http://www.fiveminuteparent.com