Just when I thought it was safe to turn off our air conditioner, Mother Nature turns up the heat once again.
This summer, the temperatures have been so high in our neck of the woods experts have advised remaining indoors in order to avoid potential heat stroke. For parents, the dangerous heat has made playtime a bit more challenging. In our family’s case, it has actually sparked cabin fever—-something we typically deal with in the winter, but certainly not in mid-July.
As a result of our forced exile to air conditioned structures, my 7-year-old and I have been getting creative in the kitchen. Rather than drown our summer blues in high-calorie custard and ice cream, we’ve been making the following healthier frozen treats:
Orange Yogurt Pops
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pulp-free orange juice
1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt (you can use the non-fat version)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Wooden Popsicle sticks
Directions:
Mix together the orange juice, yogurt, sugar and vanilla in a bowl.
Pour the mixture into Popsicle molds.
Place in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up, and then insert the sticks and return to freezer until completely firm.
When you are ready to eat, briefly run the pops under hot water to unmold.
Very Berry Cheesecake Pops
Ingredients:
8 ounces of your children’s favorite berries (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries work very well)
1 tablespoon water
4 ounces low-fat cream cheese
3 tablespoons of 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Wooden Popsicle sticks
Directions:
Cook berries in a small saucepan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of water for 10 minutes or until the berries are easily broken up with a wooden spoon.
Transfer mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth.
Refrigerate berry puree until cool, about an hour.
In the food processor, blend cream cheese, milk, vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
Pour raspberry puree into Popsicle molds, and then pour a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top.
Insert Popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours before eating.
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