You may have noticed that the summer weather is beating new records each year. The government has raised alarms for the scorching months that may extend until June. It’s important to keep your body hydrated at all times. Drink large amounts of water and spray your face with hydrating mist. You can also make healthy frozen treats you can munch on while relaxing by your condo swimming pool. Here are 10 homemade summer treats you and your kids can enjoy.
Ice candies, anyone?
Remember the good ‘ol days when you used to frequent your neighbourhood sari-sari store for fruity ice candies? Bring back the nostalgia by savouring the familiar flavors of mango, coconut, and sago’t gulaman. The prepping is quite simple. Make the juice mixture first, only sweeten it a bit more. Put slices of ripe mangoes in a blender, add water and sugar. Pour the mixture in small plastic bags, then chill in the fridge.
Your very own halo-halo
Want a cool condo project? Come up with your own versions of the well-loved halo-halo. If you’ve traveled in different parts of the country, you’d be surprised at the varying recipes for this summer dessert. Some would add sweetened potatoes, others even add macaroni. You can add unconventional ingredients such as melon cubes, grated cheese, and coconut milk. Don’t forget to take a photo of your very own halo-halo and post it on Instagram.
Veggies-fruit shake
Forget about expensive sugary drinks and make healthy DIY treats this summer. Do you know that you can have yummy vegetable-fruit shakes for less than Php50.? Put boiled carrot sticks, celery stalks, and apple slices in a blender. No need to add sweeteners in this healthy smoothie. You can also have bananas instead of apples. The fruity ingredients will give off the sweetness you’d need to balance the taste of the veggies.
Healthy iced coffee
Do you know that iced coffee offers greater health benefits than hot brew? Gina Keatley, an NYC-based dietician-nutritionist, said that cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot coffee. “This happens because coffee grounds, or more specifically the various oils, acids, and other aromatic molecules, are most easily extracted at about 195-205 degrees,” she told The Huffington Post. Iced coffee also has more alkaline that promotes a healthy digestive system. Pour a cup of ground coffee beans in a container and add water. Leave it overnight in the fridge. Strain the coffee granules and transfer the coffee into a jar. Add skim milk and ice.
Vegan ice cream for the entire gang
Enjoy ice cream without the guilt. Puree raspberries or strawberries, whichever is available in your grocery. Add coconut milk or yogurt, a bit of honey and some vanilla extract. Process the mixture in an ice machine for 20 minutes. Put the ice cream in the freezer until firm. You can add sprinkles or fresh fruits on top. You can get a reliable ice cream maker for less than Php4,000 in an appliances store.
Chilled oatmeal snacks
Oatmeal is your easy source of fiber. Do you know that you can turn it into a refreshing snack for summer? Mix a cup of oats and water with a pinch of salt in a jar. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can add your favorite combination of toppings such as chopped cashews, golden raisins, and curry powder; sliced bananas, chocolate spread and a pinch of sea salt; or frozen blueberries, plain yogurt, chopped pecans and maple syrup.
You can also serve these healthy chilled oatmeals for afternoon snacks.
Healthy black pearl drinks
Black pearl drinks are popular in Asia. These favorite summer treats are sold everywhere, though mostly prepared with artificial ingredients. Put a cup of sliced ripe mango or bananas in a blender and add a cup of water and 2 cups of shaved ice. Add a tablespoon of honey, then blend until smooth. Cook black pearls in boiling water. Spoon the pearls through a strainer and transfer them in a glass. Add the fruit smoothie, then serve. Enjoy this treat while you read a good book in your condo roof deck.
Easy-to-make popsicles
For your family condo summer project, you can try healthy recipes at home. Make veggie and fruit popsicles with your kids. Puree 1 and ½ cup of chopped pineapples, ½ cup of sliced bananas, 1 cup of spinach, ¾ cup of coconut milk and lime juice. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until completely solid. You can also have a combination of mangoes, carrots and orange juice, or strawberries, beets and apples.
Frosted lemonades
Most summer drinks you can find in stores are loaded with sugar. Too much of anything is bad for you. Make your frosted lemonade with three lemons, 1 cup of ice cubes, ¼ cup of water and 2 cups of vanilla frozen yogurt. Zest the lemons and pour the juice to a blender with the ice cubes and water. Blitz until the ice is crushed. Add the yogurt, then blitz again. Pour the mix into glasses. You can pair this summer beverage with freshly baked muffins.
Watermelon slush for your kids
If you can have fresh fruits, why settle for artificial snacks? Fruits are better protection against diseases than any other multivitamin sold in drugstores. Mix four cups of watermelon, ¼ cup of lime juice, and ½ cup of coconut sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour the mix into a shallow dish, cover it and store in the freezer for 1 hour. After an hour, take out the mix and scrape any ice that formed with a fork before returning the mix back to the fridge. After two hours, take out the mix again and scrape any ice. Serve once the entire mix is icy.
Beat the summer heat with healthy summer treats. Let your kids or friends join you in preparing these treats. Making snacks is a worthwhile bonding time with your loved ones. Share your frozen delights ideas by posting photos or videos on social media. Encourage others to create their own healthy summer snacks at home.
