Can you remember the ice cream truck circling your neighborhood when you were a child? Brings back fond memories doesn’t it? Remember the snow cones, the fudge pops and those oh so great rocket bomb popsicles. Those were the days. Today there aren’t many ice cream trucks around so to give our families that special treat we have to find ways to create them ourselves. Here are a few recipes to get you started on being the family ice cream man.

Frozen S’mores is an old favorite with a new summertime twist. You will need 3/4 cup heavy cream, 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. 14 graham crackers, 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened on microwaves defrost setting for 30 seconds and 1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened on microwaves defrosts setting for 30 seconds.

To make this frozen treat place the cream and the chocolate together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes or until very hot. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Line an 8 inch pan with plastic wrap leaving an overhang that can be used as handles. Place 1/3 of the graham crackers into the bottom of the pan. Pour 1/3 of the chocolate sauce over the crackers. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

Spread the vanilla ice cream over the chocolate. Place another layer of crackers and chocolate sauce over the ice cream. Return to the freezer for 10 minutes. Spread the chocolate ice cream over the crackers. Place the remaining crackers and chocolate sauce over the ice cream. Cover and freeze 2 hours or until set.

When ready lift the frozen treat out of the pan using the plastic wrap handles, remove the plastic wrap, cut the squares and serve.

Green Slime Smoothie is a way to get our children to consume more spinach. With this smoothie they will never even know it’s in there.

Place 2 cups of spinach in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove the spinach and place it in a blender. Add 2 c of frozen strawberries, 1 banana, 2 tbsp of honey and 1/2 C of ice to the blender. Blend the mixture until very smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately.

Frozen fruit cups are another great treat to help cool off with on a hot summer day. They are easy to make and everyone will love them. You will need 1 (16 oz.) container of sour cream, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 3/4 C of sugar, 1/8 tsp of salt, 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice, 1/4 C maraschino cherries, chopped, 3 bananas peeled and diced and 1/4 C of chopped pecans.
Place the sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, sugar and salt and blend together well. Stir in the pineapple, cherries, bananas and pecans until blend in well. Line a muffin tin with wax paper and fill each cup with the fruit mixture. Freeze until set. Place in a freezer bag for easy storage if you have any left that is.

These frozen summer goodies will give your family a little bit of the past along with healthy and delicious treats. Try one yourself and see just how much you enjoy being the family ice cream man this summer.