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| Friday, July 17, 2009 |
| Guilt Free Summer Treats |
There’s nothing that reminds me more of summer then the sound of the Ice Cream Man coming. Like Pavlov’s dog, I would drop whatever I was doing and run inside yelling “The ice cream man is coming” at the top of my lungs. I wanted to make sure I had enough money to get exactly what I wanted (which was usually a push-up or ice cream sandwich depending on my mood) when he finally came down our street. Now that I’m a “little” older, I’m sad to report that I haven’t heard that pleasant jingle in a long time, but I still crave a sweet fix on hot summer afternoons. I’m also sad to report that I can no longer eat ice cream everyday like I used to, which leads to the whole reason I wrote this blog…to share some guilt free summer treats!
Frozen watermelon – frozen watermelon is super refreshing, super hydrating and low in calories. It’s great to take to the beach or on a summer picnic. Simply cut watermelon into chunks, portion in small containers and freeze overnight. Grapes are a great option too!
Fruit kabobs – these are a fun idea for summer parties and BBQ’s. Start with a variety of colorful fruit. Think grapes, kiwi, strawberries, melon, pineapple and papaya. Use fruit that’s fresh and firm, but not over-ripe. Wash fruit, cut into similar size pieces and drizzle with a little lemon juice. Using wooden skewers (soak ahead of time if you plan to grill the fruit), place 5-7 pieces of fruit on each skewer, alternating colors and shapes for variety.
The Skinny Cow – If you’re in the mood for something cold and creamy that won’t break the calorie bank, try any of Skinny Cow’s ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cones or fudge bars. All of their products are low in fat and 150 calories or less!
Frozen Fruit Bars – There are tons of healthy, low-calorie options in the frozen fruit bar department. Look for one’s made from real fruit or fruit juice like the Edy’s Fruit Bars or try making your own at home with this simple recipe:
Frozen Summer Fruit Bars
Makes eight 4 oz bars
4 cups of fruit, cut up (pineapple, oranges, strawberries, watermelon, etc.)
1-2 Tbsp sugar (optional)
2 tsp lemon juice
Place fruit in the blender and puree until smooth. May need to add 1-2 Tbsp of water depending on the type of fruit you’re using. Add sugar (if desired) and lemon juice and blend. Pour mixture into molds or small cups, insert sticks and freeze until solid.
Enjoy!
-Lauren
Labels: fruits and vegetables, Healthy Recipes, Lauren
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, July 17, 2009   |
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| 4 Comments: |
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Great ideas to cool you off, hit the sweet spot & just enjoy! THX!
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Enjoying a fresh ice-cold fat wedge of juicy watermelon right now! :D
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Thanks for the tips! Do you happen to know how long watermelon (or grapes, for that matter) will keep in the freezer?
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The thing you have to keep in mind with frozen watermelon or grapes is that once you freeze them, they will never have the same consistency as they did when they were fresh. This is why it's best to enjoy them while they're still frozen or partially frozen. As for how long they will stay good, I would say around 4-6 months if stored properly. Watermelon has a bigger risk for freezer burn because of it's high water content. That's why I suggested portioning them out into smaller containers.
- Lauren
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Great ideas to cool you off, hit the sweet spot & just enjoy! THX!