Summer Juice Pops! (image courtesy of Lisa Barnes)
I just sent out our Summer 2010 Newsletter. For the very first time I featured a client who has a small-business. Lisa Barnes of Petit Appetit is a culinary educator and author. She offers classes and workshops to Bay Area parents and has published two books. She was kind enough to share some of her recipes that are great for kids in the Summertime. Here they are:
Any Juice Pops (from Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink and Be Merry)
Look beyond the boxed pops in the freezer section of the grocery store. There’s no telling how many combinations and variations you and your children can make by having an ice pop mold on hand. These are nice and icy on a hot day and can be made with any juice you have on hand. Adding water dilutes the juice and sugar a bit and also lends a more “icy” texture.
Makes 8 (¼-cup) pops
1½ cups fresh organic fruit juice such as unfiltered apple juice or pomegranate juice (pictured)
½ cup water
Shake juice container to mix contents before measuring and pour into pitcher. Add water to juice and stir. Pour liquid into ice pop molds. Put the tops on and transfer to the freezer on a flat shelf to freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
To remove the pops from the mold, stand the mold in a bowl of cold water (or run water under one, to release only one pop) for 1 to 2 minutes until the pops lift out.
Kids Korner
Mix It Up! There’s no need to stop at one juice for these pops. Ask your child for flavor combinations. Combine orange and apple or pear and pomegranate. Once you get the hang of it you’ll be making lots of colors and flavors of frozen treats.
Strawberry-Banana Shake (from Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink and Be Merry)
This is a quick and easy shake to whip up for a breakfast or afternoon snack. The frozen berries give cold without the need for ice, while the banana gives a smooth and creamy texture. Any leftovers? If so, freeze in ice pop molds or in a freezer safe container for a frozen treat later.
Makes 2 cups
1 cup frozen organic strawberries
½ cup organic whole milk
1 banana, cut into quarters
Put strawberries, milk, and banana into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Go Green! During nonpeak berry season, stock up on frozen organic berries for easy smoothies and shakes anytime. You’ll also skip the high price, less flavor, and pesticides of conventionally grown fresh berries grown and sold out of season.
Thanks for sharing, Lisa!