Summertime Snacks

Before we know it school will be out and the kids will be free to play all day. On my street that means approximately 15 kids under the age of 8 traveling from yard to yard playing on the swingsets, running through the sprinklers and riding bikes around the cul-de-sac. It also means a daily drive-by from the ice cream truck and the kids asking for drinks and snacks at every house.

A couple of my neighbors and I have already discussed the fact that we would prefer that our kids not drink juice boxes all day. We have decided to keep a pitcher of ice cold water in the garage refridgerator along with a supply of cups for when the thirsty bunch come asking for a drink. Now, how to battle the ice cream truck...here are some healthy summertime snacks that I am going to try and you may want to as well.

Frozen Grapes
Simply remove stems from grapes, wash thoroughly and seal in a freezer bag. Place bag in the freezer. Once frozen let the kids dig in to this refreshing naturally sweet snack.

Pineapple Pops (makes 6 pops)
2 c. plain yogurt
1/2 c. canned crushed pineapple (packed in its own juice not syrup)
1 can frozen pineapple or orange-pineapple juice concentrate, thawed

Drain the can of crushed pineapple so all the juice runs out.
Put all the ingredients in a medium-sized boal and mix them together.
Spoon the mixture into small paper cups. Fill them almost to the top.
Stretch a small piece of plastic wrap across the top of each cup.
Using a popsicle stick, poke a hole in the plastic wrap. Stand the stick straight up inthe center of the cup.
Put the cups in the freezer until the mixture is frozen solid.
Remove the plastic wrap and peel away the paper cup.

You will have pineapple pops to eat and share!

Frozen Yogurt Pops
32 oz. container flavored yogurt (any flavor you choose)

ice cube tray(s)

plastic wrap
popsicle sticks

Fill an ice cube tray with yogurt.
Cover with strong clear plastic wrap and freeze.
Place a popsicle stick in each section when it is almost frozen.
Allow to freeze completely.
Pop out of ice tray and serve.

Variation: toss some cut up strawberries or blueberries into the yogurt before freezing.

Fresh Veggies
carrots

celery

red, yellow, orange and/or green peppers

cucumber

Clean and cut veggies into sticks. Toss in a large bowl and let the kids munch!

Fruit Kabobs
strawberries

grapes

blueberries

pineapple

bananas

kiwi

cantaloupe

First, soak the skewers for a couple of hours to keep them from splintering into the skin or food. Load the stick up with the tasty fruits of your choice.

Trail Mix
whole wheat cereal (like Puffins or Whole Grain Chex)

dried cranberries

dried apricots

almonds

sunflower seeds

peanuts

raisins

popcorn

Pick your favorites from the list above and mix them up for a tasty snack.

(Note: make sure you know of any peanut allergies before serving them to a group of kids.)

Water not going to cut it? Try...

Fruity Soda Drink
Combine equal amounts of carbonated water and 100% fruit juice. Sweeten with honey if you choose.

Enjoy!

- Shannan