Easy Freezy Summer Eats

Now that the summer season is finally kicking in, we’ve got lots of catching up to do outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing sports, or simply lazing around... you might need a quick cool-down fix. Here are a few simple ideas on how to turn some extra fruit into your hot-day heroes.

Popsicle Recipes!

Orange Creamsicle

     This classic treat is packed with Vitamin C and is well worth the wait!

Ingredients  Makes approximately 10 servings

• 1 1/2 cups orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract  

Directions

1. Whisk all ingredients together in bowl
2. Pour into freezer pop molds and place in freezer for a minimum of 3 hours

Tropical Popsicle

     If you didn’t get to make it down south this year, here’s one way to feel a little closer.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 12 servings

• 2 cups pineapple juice
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ½ cup crushed pineapple

    Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl
2. Pour into freezer pop moulds and place in freezer for a minimum of 3 hours

TIP: Feel free to use dixie cups, individual yogurt containers or ice cube trays along with popsicle sticks or toothpicks in place of store-bought freezer pop moulds.

Sorbets and Sherbets!

Raspberry Sorbet

     This cool treat is full of fiber and just might be one of the tastiest ways to help you reach your          daily intake.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 5 (half cup) servings

• 4 cups of frozen raspberries
• 3-5 tbsp of maple syrup
• Splash of lime juice

    Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, mix together raspberries, maple syrup and lime juice until consistency is smooth.
2. Scoop and serve immediately. If texture is too runny, freeze for 30 minutes until sorbet firms.
   
   
   
   

Blueberry Sherbet 

Rich with antioxidants and flavour, this sherbet is almost good enough for breakfast! The added vanilla gives it the ice cream flavour while the lack of added sugars keeps it fresh and nutritious.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 6 (half cup) servings

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
• 1 cup fat-free buttermilk (1 cup low-fat milk+ 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, mix together all ingredients until consistency is smooth
2. Pour into 9 inch square pan and freeze for 4 hours
3. Scoop and serve.  
   For an even smoother consistency, blend the frozen mixture and repeat step 2.

Refreshing Beverages!

Pink Citrus Lemonade

     The tangy sweetness this lemonade brings is a refreshing drink to help increase daily fluid intake.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 5 servings

• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup strawberries
• 1 tbsp sugar

    Directions

1. In a blender or food processor mix together all ingredients until strawberries are blended and sugar has dissolved
2. Add ice and enjoy

Cantaloupe cool-down

     It seems like cantaloupe is always getting left behind, here`s one refreshing and easy way to make use of the extra.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 3 servings

• 1 ripe cantaloupe (chopped)
• 1 banana
• 2 cups of ice cubes
• 1 tbsp honey

    Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, mix the few ingredients together
2. Pour and enjoy

Berry Iced Tea

     Try a cool twist on your ordinary cup of Tetley.

Ingredients  Makes approximately 16, 1 cup servings (4 L)

• 2- 3 orange pekoe tea bags
• 8 cups (2 L) boiling water
• 6 cups (1.5 L) 100% cranberry-pomegranate juice
• 2 cups fruit (frozen berries work well)
• Ice cubes

Directions

1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 3 min. Remove bags.
2. Refrigerate tea until cold.
3. Stir in juice and fruit before serving.
4. Pour mixture into large jug and serve

A big thanks to Jen Wood, Recipe for Health`s summer dietitian student for helping to compile these recipes!