Chill out with these make-it-yourself frozen treats.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Summer is approaching which means that there will be plenty of outdoor events to indulge in. From picnics and beach gatherings to pool parties and backyard BBQs; summer is all about making the most of the holidays and basking in the glory of the great weather outside. Whatever you choose to do, one thing is certain, and it is that you will need to find ways to cool down and take care of yourself; by that, we don’t just mean applying sunscreen. The best way to chill out during the season is to make sure you are comfortable, and these make-it-yourself frozen treats are going to ensure you’re happy, refreshed, and ready to handle the heat all summer long.
Popsicles
Ice pops are the ultimate summer snack and you can easily make them yourself. These frozen treats will cool you down on a hot day, not to mention they are deliciously exquisite. You can make any fruity flavor you desire, and when the kids are away, the adults can make an alcoholic batch. Depending on the fruit you choose and the number of people you are serving, the ingredients will vary.
If you opt for a cherry-strawberry pop, you would need 5 ounces of frozen strawberries and 5 ounces of frozen sweet cherries, ½ a cup of water, and a tablespoon of raw honey or pure maple syrup. If you pick grapes, you would need 10 fresh green grapes and 4 to 6 tablespoons of water to assist in blending the grapes; these portions will make 10 popsicles. First, combine all the ingredients in a blender at a high speed until they become a smooth mixture. Pour the mixture into each popsicle packet, opt for reusable sleeves, and fill them up. Next, place them in the freezer for approximately 2 hours to allow them to set and become firm.
Ice cream
Now, it just would not be summer without the all-time favorite summer dessert: Ice cream. You do not have to spend money every time you want to treat your kids to the joys of the holidays. In fact, you can make ice cream yourself at home. All you need is to pick your favorite flavor.
You start by adding sugar, milk, and cream into a saucepan and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Once the milk is hot and foam appears around the edges, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside. Pour this now creamy mixture into a container— you can use a large measuring cup. Stir in the flavor of your choice, be it vanilla extract, chocolate chip, strawberry, or even cake batter. Chill the mix for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight. You would then need to pour the mix into an ice cream maker.
If you click here, you can view insightful recommendations for the best, most affordable ice cream makers currently on the market— many bakers recommend carefully choosing your ice cream maker to ensure your homemade treat is perfect. Churn the ice cream mix in the machine for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. You can serve the ice cream immediately when it is a bit soft, or you can seal it in a plastic wrap and let it ripe by freezing it for 2 hours before serving.
Frozen fruit cups
Just because it is summer does not mean that your healthy eating habits take a back seat. Many of us want to maintain that summer body to flaunt on the beach. If that is the case, then this is the recipe for those who want to stick to their diet plan but want to treat themselves at the same time. This frozen fruit salad cup recipe is the healthy snack you’ve been waiting for. Refresh yourself with delicious and nutritious fruits.
All you need to do is dice 1 large package of strawberries, sliced 6 bananas, and then add 1 cup of lemon juice to the bowl with the cut-up fruit. Slice 4 kiwis and add them to the bowl. Add 1 package of blueberries as well, followed by 2 cans of mandarin oranges and 1 can of pineapple tidbits. Finally, add 1 can of pineapple, orange banana concentrate to the mix. Stir all the ingredients together and fill up small plastic cups until the bowl has emptied. Freeze for approximately 2 hours and then serve for a healthy, chill-out treat. Yes, it’s that easy!
You now can soak up the sun and relish in those summer days and nights without spending a fortune on holiday treats. Whip up any of these recipes, and make an extra batch so that you can have plenty of snacks leftover for the next day. These make-it-yourself frozen treats are perfect for any relaxing gatherings in your backyard with family and friends.