It’s summer in Florida . . . that means it’s HOT.  You’ve spent some time outdoors during the cooler (yet sticky) morning hours and most of the afternoon dodging the intense sun . . . going from the movie theater to the mall to the grocery store.  Inevitably, the kids end up outside.  The next time you see them they’re bathed in sweat, their faces are flushed, and their mouths are agape with a tongue resembling rawhide hanging out.  Their shriveled little lips are forming the words “can we have a snack?”  Save the milk and cookies for bedtime.  After they’ve re-hydrated with a quart of Gator-aide, it’s time for a cool treat. 

Try these fruity favorites:

SMOOTHIES

These can be made in a variety of flavors.  Depending on what fruit your child likes; you can make them with a tropical flair (pineapples, papayas, and mangos) or prepare them with traditional strawberries, bananas, blueberries or raspberries.  You can use one kind of fruit for a simple flavor or mix them for a creative blend. Though recipes vary, following basic guidelines make them easy to prepare:

Use frozen fruit – this will allow you to use less ice thereby creating a more flavorful smoothie.

Add liquid to keep it smooth – use fruit juice instead of water.  This will give you the most flavor and vitamins.

Make it sweet – concentrated, frozen juice adds sweetness and vitamins.  Honey is also a tasty way to increase natural sweetness.

Make it creamy – add a spoon of yogurt.  Whether you use a special flavor or plain, yogurt will add creaminess (and goes undetected even by non-yogurt eaters!) in addition to providing healthy benefits.

The basic recipe includes fruit and liquid.  Any additional ingredients will enhance the flavor.  So get creative - mix your favorite ingredients together in a blender for a nutritious snack.

FROZEN BANANA POPS

This recipe is great for creative little helpers.

Ingredients:

Ripe, firm bananas

Popcicle sticks

Melting chocolate

Ice cream toppings (i.e. nuts, sprinkles, coconut, small marshmallows, crushed cookies)

Begin by peeling and cutting your bananas in half lengthwise.  Next, insert a popsicle stick into the bananas and place them in the freezer until frozen (the chocolate will slide off the bananas if they’re warm).  Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a double boiler. 

Once you have cold bananas and hot chocolate, it’s time to start the decorating.  To simplify this process, prepare an assembly line beginning with the melted chocolate (keep an eye on little fingers - it can be hot), follow with the toppings on paper plates and end with a wax paper covered pan or plate for the finished product.  Working with one at a time, dip a banana in the chocolate until it is completely coated.  Then roll it in the toppings and place on the wax paper.  Put the decorated bananas in the freezer to make sure all the toppings set.  A few minutes later this colorful creation is ready for consumption.  Note:  any uneaten, decorated bananas can be wrapped in foil and stored in the freezer for future snacking.

BANANA AND ORANGE POPS

Ingredients:

2 Bananas

6 oz. frozen orange juice

1/2 c. powdered milk

1 c. plain yogurt

1/2 c Water

Thaw orange juice until soft. Peel bananas and slice into blender or food processor. Add remaining ingredients and blend until foamy. Pour into small paper cups and freeze. To eat, squeeze bottom of cup. Easy, neat and fun!

HOMEMADE POPCICLES

Ingredients:

1 – 3oz. package fruit flavored gelatin mix

1 unsweetened, flavored soft drink mix package

1 cup white sugar

1 cup boiling water

In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir until all powders are dissolved.   Next add enough cold water to make 2 quarts. Pour into 3 oz. paper cups and freeze until hardened. (if desired, popsicle sticks can be inserted when pops are partially frozen) Simply sweet!

QUICK COOL-DOWN IDEAS:

-   Freeze grapes for a crunchy munch

-   Add frozen strawberries or raspberries to lemonade

-   Make your own “soda” by mixing frozen juice concentrates with club soda

-   Make homemade “slushies” using frozen juice concentrate and ice cubes (blend on high until nearly smooth – adding water as needed)

This summer have your kids trade in their soda for a smoothie and help them stay cool while staying healthy.

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