Cool Down Summertime Treats

Summertime yields some of the best fruits and vegetables of the year. Some favorites include plums, peaches, nectarines, grapes, summer squash, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, carrots, corn and the list goes on and on. Try grabbing a handful of grapes or strawberries as a snack on a hot summer’s day. Try chopping up some crisp, raw vegetables to enjoy with a creamy dip. There are numerous ways to serve these fruits and vegetables for a summer snack.

Berry Fool is an easy to make summer dessert. Everyone will be in awe when they see this delicious dessert and everyone will want this recipe.

Start with 4 cups of strawberries. Other fruits such as blackberries, blueberries or raspberries can also be used. Toss the fruit with 1/2 C of sugar and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Place the mixture into the blender and process until smooth. Beat the heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold the pureed berry mixture into the cream. Place in dessert dishes, garnish with fruit slices and enjoy.

Jell-o ice cream is another great treat to help with the cool down. Kids love gelatin and this treat is no exception.

To make this treat you will need 1 (3 oz.) pkg. any flavor gelatin, 1 C of boiling water and 2 C of ice cream or sherbet.

Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Stir the mixture for 2 minutes. Place the ice cream one spoonful at a time into the gelatin, stirring until the ice cream is melted. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until firm. Serve with berries as a garnish.

Try vanilla ice cream with orange gelatin for that great dream sickle taste. Better yet use your imagination and come up with your own special blend.

Shakes are always a hit in summer and a Berry Fruity Shake is one that will hit the spot on a hot summer day.

Fill the blender 3/4 full of ice cubes. Pour 2 C of milk over the ice. Add in 1/3 C of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla and 2 C of fresh berries. Blend until smooth.

These are just a few ideas on how to use those summer fruits and vegetables to help create the perfect cool down treat. Try making a creation of your own using one of natures very best fruits or vegetables.