BY SUSAN SCHABACKER
It’s summer . . . yet another hot summer day. Ready to escape the summer heat and enjoy a nutritious treat? Ready to chill out and cool off? You can! Round up some fruit, a few basic tools and simple ingredients, and get ready to celebrate summer with yummy frozen snacks that are healthy for you!
You don’t have to cut delicious desserts out of your diet since these frozen treats are practically guilt-free with healthy ingredients you can feel good about.
Pass by the ice cream and frozen foods section at the grocery store and instead, make your own DIY versions to eliminate unwanted, unhealthy ingredients. Skip the corn syrup, sugar, preservatives and food dyes, and exercise a bit of your own creativity. Clear some space in your freezer and keep it stocked all summer long with your own homemade goodies. Share frozen treats with your family and friends – and don’t forget your favorite canine!
Like to keep things simple? These treats are easy to make with just a few ingredients. Support your local farms and pick up a bumper crop of summer’s fresh fruits at your nearest farmer’s market. Load up on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, grapes and bananas. These fruits are chock full of health benefits and freeze well.
Round up fruit, teaspoons, popsicle sticks, paper cups, ice cube trays, popsicle molds, bamboo skewers, and a blender and you’re ready to beat the heat with frozen treats!
ONE INGREDIENT
Frozen Yogurt Treat: Poke a wooden popsicle stick through the foil top of a yogurt container or just pop the container directly in the freezer. Freeze till solid and eat straight out of the cup with a spoon. Greek yogurt has more protein content than regular yogurt and will keep you feeling fuller longer.
TWO INGREDIENTS
Pina Colada Juice Pops: Combine 1 cup pineapple juice and 1 cup coconut milk, then freeze until solid in paper cups, popsicle molds or even an ice cube tray. That’s all there is to it!
Chocolate Banana Soft Ice Cream: Peel then freeze 3 bananas. Mix the frozen bananas with 2 Tablespoons carob or cocoa powder in a blender. Serve immediately. Quick? You bet!
THREE INGREDIENTS
Berry Greek Yogurt Pops: Combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 cup frozen berries. Mix ingredients in a blender then pour into paper cups or popsicle molds and freeze until almost firm. Insert popsicle stick handles and continue freezing until solid. Enjoy!
FOUR INGREDIENTS
Frozen Fruit Medley Kabobs:Spear your favorite combination of frozen fruits onto bamboo skewers. Kiwi slices, grapes, strawberries and banana slices are excellent choices. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze. Let sit out a couple of minutes before eating. How easy and what fun!
Orange Creamsicle Pops: Combine and blend 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup coconut milk, 3 teaspoons honey, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour into ice cube tray and freeze. Super easy and delicious!
FROZEN TREATS YOUR DOG WILL LOVE!
You can’t forget your furry friends this summer, and you’ll feel great about whipping up these wholesome frozen treats full of nutritious, healthy ingredients that are good for your dog. These are people-friendly treats, too, that your pets will go crazy for. Easy-peasy and your pets will thank you!
Watermelon Dog Treats: In a blender mix watermelon slices (be sure they are seedless and remove the rind), coconut milk or coconut water, and honey. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Peanut Butter & Berry Dog Treats:In a blender mix strawberries with a splash of water, then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. When frozen, remove from tray and add a dollop of all-natural peanut butter on top.
Apple Greek Yogurt Dog Treats:In a blender mix sliced apples with a splash of water and unsweetened Greek yogurt. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Pumpkin Dog Treats:In a blender mix 1 can pumpkin, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 banana, and 1 Tablespoon honey. Spoon into an ice cube tray and freeze.