A Spot of Summer - For Kids of All Ages

A Spot of Summer - For Kids of All Ages

Having a pretty solid case of the "Winter Blahs," and since my throat is scratchy from dry heat and cold windy weather, I craved a cold treat for my throat and for my well-being. In some way, I needed to have a summer treat, that wasn't TOO fattening and unhealthy, to brighten my day. Sooooooo,

I glanced through my many Food Betty's* in search of a treat to satisfy this craving.

Stay Tuned for a definition of "Food Betty" in future posts. Or, if you know any of my students, they could explain to you the meaning and purpose of any type of "Betty."

A long time ago, during one of my MANY weight-loss pledge times - some successful, some not - I came across these Weight-Watcher-Friendly summer snack recipes, and decided the revised version that I made back then would be the perfect fit for my state of mind.

There are two versions - one is with fruit and the other is a creamy version. Both are easy and delicious. If you don't have a popsicle mold, you can use paper or plastic cups covered with foil. Cut a small hole in the foil and put a popsicle stick in the center of each foil covering. Freeze the pops for at least 5 hours. Tear the paper or plastic cup away so you can eat it like a popsicle.

Orange Juice Pops

• 1 cup fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mandarin orange wedges - I chose strawberries
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1 cup orange juice - with or without pulp - I made mine without pulp (I hate juice with "things" in it! HA!)

Divide 1/2 cup of the fruit of your choice evenly between 8 (2-oz.) pop molds or cups. Top evenly with the mango, and then with the remaining fruit you chose for the recipe. Divide the orange juice evenly among the cups/molds. Cover and freeze until solid - at least 5 hours or overnight.

In case you count point values for your food - this is a Zero Point value treat - based on Weight Watcher's.

Banana Pops

• 2 (4.4-oz.) packages vanilla pudding - or you could use soy vanilla pudding
• 2 small bananas - diced
• 1 drop coconut extract (if desired)
• 4 tsp. milk or dark chocolate chips - or shavings, squares, etc. - it's your choice

Combine the pudding and coconut extract in a small bowl. Stir in the banana pieces and the chocolate pieces. Divide the mixture between 8 (2-oz.) cups or molds. Cover and freeze for 5 hours or overnight.

Weight Watchers would give this a 1 Point value.

There are lots of versions that you could create with this method of making a fun, cool-to-the-throat treat. Let me know if you have any other versions/ideas that I can try. I have a feeling it is going to be a llllooonnngggg winter.