As a part of our ongoing series of “Food for Thought”, stop #2 is summertime snacks! What makes a good summertime snack, you might ask? Well it has a few components. First, it has to be full of flavor. Preferably fresh fruit flavor. Second, it has to be cool. Whether that’s in the literal sense or the figurative sense, summer is a time to chill out and enjoy. Third, it’s got to be relatively easy to make and easy to eat because who has time to sit down and slave over an oven all day? Not us. There are sprinklers to run through, parks to visit, you get the idea.
So, with that in mind, here are some summertime snacks that should keep you cool and rock your taste buds!
Summertime Snacks
Recipe 01: Patriotic Strawberries
If you’re looking for something to take to the neighborhood block party, then this is it. These don’t require tons of time in the kitchen, but they have that cool factor!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. strawberries
- 6-8 oz. white chocolate
- blue sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Parchment paper
Process:
Begin by washing your strawberries and patting them dry. While they finish drying, melt your chocolate in 30 second increments in the microwave. After each interval give them a good stir. Continue microwaving until they are melted and smooth.
Next, dip strawberries one at a time into the white chocolate before dipping them into the sanding sugar. After, place on parchment paper in rows and allow to cool and harden. Repeat with the remaining strawberries and refrigerate until serving. Easy-peasy!
Recipe 02: Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats
Okay, two things make this a win: rice krispies and a stick. There really isn’t any way to make things better!
Ingredients:
Rind
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 2 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows
- green food coloring
- 2 c. rice krispies cereal
Center
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 3 1/2 c. miniature marshmallows
- pink or red food coloring
- 3 c. rice krispies cereal
- 2 tsp mini chocolate chips
- 6-8 popsicle sticks
Process:
Start by spraying a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and set it aside. You’re going to start by making the rind (or the green part) first. Do this by melting 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over medium heat. When it’s melted, toss in the marshmallows and green food colors and stir until the marshmallows are melted. You should have a mixture of fluffy marshmallow goodness. Next, remove the pan from heat and stir in the rice krispies until it’s evenly mixed. After you’ve mixed it, pour it into your round pan. Then you want to wait for just a minute until the mixture is cool to the touch before pressing it into the edge of the pan. You can totally put some cooking spray on your hands if the mixture is sticky, or use a spatula. Now you’re ready to move onto the melon!
Begin again by melting 2 Tbsp. butter in a clean saucepan over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add in the marshmallows and red food coloring and stir until nice and smooth. Then remove the pan from heat and mix in the 3 c. of rice krispies treats until everything is well coated. Next, pour the mixture into the middle of the pan and using a spatula, pat the mixture into an even layer. When the mixture is cool, press in chocolate chips before cutting into wedges. Last, remove from the pan and add popsicle sticks to the outside. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe 03: Gummy Bear Popsicles
Need a way to keep cool and be cool? This is it! Simple, tasty, and literally cool, these popsicles will take your summer snack game to the next level.
Ingredients:
Process:
Start by filling your molds about 3/4 of the way with Sprite before dropping in gummy bears until the drink reaches the top. Next, pop them in the freezer until frozen through, then remove and enjoy!
Recipe 04: Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Color? Check. Fresh flavor? Check. Cool? Double check.
Ingredients
- Kabob skewers
- 8 oz fresh blueberries
- 8 oz fresh raspberries
- 1 fresh pineapple, cored and cut into small wedges (or use canned)
- 2 kiwis, cut into cubes
- 1 orange cut into wedges
- 1 grapefruit, cut into wedges
Process:
This one is so easy! Once your fruit is ready, simply put them on the color combination of your choice! Fresh fruit is always best, but canned works in a pinch. Then serve and enjoy!
Recipe 05: Caprese Kabobs
Need someone fresh and healthy on the go? This one checks all the boxes. Full of flavor and the best of a salad on a stick, this recipe is a keeper!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- fresh basil
- mozzarella, cut into cubes
- salt and pepper
- balsamic glaze for drizzle
Process:
Again, this wins for simplicity! Start by simply layering the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on a skewer. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper before giving a little drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this food for thought centered on summertime snacks!
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