Summer is here!! Let’s get outside and have some fun while staying ultra-cool with some easy-to-make kid-friendly snacks that your kids will love.
Yes we know, nothing beats a well-chilled glass of lemonade when the temperature is turned up, but when it comes to kids, sometimes that’s just not enough. Kids are always looking for fun in everything they do, so while water is still the best way to stay hydrated, why not switch things up and get them involved in some exciting snack ideas that they’ll enjoy. And if you want to encourage them to try new things, getting creative with food is a win-win for both parents and kids. Here are some delightfully colourful snack options that will have them running back for seconds.
Icicle Pops
The great thing about making icicle pops from home is that you can customize the flavours using your kid’s favourite fruits, plus it’s healthy. Using blended or sliced fruits as well as juices like apple, lemonade or even coconut water, you can make a variety of exciting iced treats in their favourite shapes and colours.
Juice Bar
- 2 cups favourite fruits (watermelon, strawberry, mango, kiwi, banana, pineapple)
- ¼ cup juice (optional)
Method
1. Combine fruits in a blender until smooth (you can also use one fruit for single flavour)
2. Pour into icicle mould, insert stick and allow to freeze
Fruit Pop
- Assortment of sliced fruits
- Beverage of your choice
Method
1. Place fruits in icicle mould and fill mould with your kid’s favourite drink
2. Insert icicle stick and allow to freeze
Banana Ice-Cream
If you feel for something creamy that is also healthy, a banana-based ice cream is a great option.
- 4 ripe bananas (peeled and sliced)
- Coconut milk (optional) or yogurt
Method
1. Freeze banana slices. Blend with milk or yogurt until smooth and creamy
2. Scoop out into a freezer safe container and serve when ready.
3. That’s it!
You can also add any of the following ingredients to make your ice cream even more exciting
- Nuts
- Fresh or dried fruits
- Honey
- Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, etc.)
- Any nut butter
Chocolate Version
Yup – just because kids love chocolate. Simply add ¼ tsp vanilla, pinch of salt and 3 tbsps cocoa powder while blending.
Banana Pops
Following the banana ice cream we have banana pops. This option involves using a firm banana, icicle sticks and freezing it. The fun part comes with dipping the frozen banana in melted chocolate and covered in sprinkles or coconut shavings or other awesome confections that your child loves.
- 3 firm ripe bananas (peeled and cut in half width-wise)
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate ¼ cup topping of your choice (optional)
Method
1. Melt semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave for 20 -30 seconds in 10 second bursts while stirring
2. Gently insert popsicle stick half way into the cut end of the banana and place on a baking tray lined with grease paper
3. Place in freezer until frozen solid
4. Dip frozen banana in melted chocolate and sprinkle toppings right after
5. Place back on grease paper and set in freezer until chocolate sets
6. Yum, yum!
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #3– July-August 2017