When the temperature climbs, nothing tastes better than a delicious frozen treat from the freezer. While you may be able to buy ice cream and popsicles from the freezer case of your local supermarket, they often contain artificial colors and more calories than you might care to consume. One way around this is to improvise with your own icy treats that are both inexpensive and healthy. If you have a freezer and a little imagination, you can quickly make all the icy treats you'll need this summer. Here's how:
A quick ice cream sandwich
Ice cream sandwiches are so quick and simple to make that'll you'll never want to buy another one. Simply choose the cookies of your choice. Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, and peanut butter cookies are just some of your many choices. Place Cool Whip or ice cream between two cookies and freeze it for several hours. Once frozen, take it out and enjoy! Imagine all of the variations you can make by changing the type of cookie and the type of ice cream.
Shaved ice treats
Making this icy treat is as simple as crushing ice in a blender and adding your choice of juice for flavoring. Make them healthy by adding fresh orange juice, grape juice, or apple juice. You can also add colas, Kool-aid, punch, or even flavored milk or coffee for a more sophisticated treat. To make it even more convenient, buy an inexpensive ice shaver at Walmart or Target.
Freeze fresh fruit
For a healthy, warm weather treat, slice fresh fruit such as mangos, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, and pears. Place them in the freezer compartment until frozen. Try freezing grapes and other small berries to use as a substitute for unhealthy candy for the kids. Freezing fruit gives it a whole new appeal. This is one healthy treat your kids are going to love.
Quick and healthy popsicles
You can buy popsicle molds for making frozen treats, but simple paper cups and popsicle sticks are all you really need. Mix up the ingredients for your popsicles by using fresh fruit juice, yogurt, milk, or any number of other healthy variations. You can find a variety of popsicle recipes online. Pour the ingredients into the cup and place it into the freezer. Once it starts to solidify slightly, insert a wooden popsicle stick into each cup. Freeze completely and enjoy!
Frozen chocolate bananas
This is a quick, frozen treat that's rich in potassium from the banana. Simply dip a fresh banana in dipping chocolate. Sprinkle on your choice of nuts, coconut, candy sprinkles, or dried cereal. Insert a popsicle stick and freeze. It'll be pure heaven when you take your first bite.
Icy treats are so simple to make even without the help of an ice cream maker. It's a quick and inexpensive way to give your family a break from the heat.
