Smoothies: A Refreshing After School Treat

Wowwee, it has been a very hot first week of school for us. My kiddos definitely weren't going to go for the old cookies and milk treat after school. All they have been screaming on the way home from school has been either, "Jamba Juice" or "Slurpy" everyday. Well, we aren't having any of that, but we did make homemade smoothies. And these were just the right sweetness and creaminess.

This recipe uses strawberries as the base, but you can substitute most any frozen fruit.

Fruit Smoothies (makes 6 small servings)

2 cups frozen strawberries (or other frozen fruit)

1 small container of flavored yogurt (such as yoplait or dannon)

3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate

2 cups milk

1 cup ice

Mix all ingredients in blender. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on a straw if you wish.

Yogurt Coated Real Fruit Pops

This recipe is one of those that you won't believe how simple it is, and how incredibly yummy it is too. Essentially what it is is frozen chunks of fruit coated in yogurt. It makes a wonderful summer treat, and it is an easy way to get more calcium and fruit into a picky eater's diet.

Ingredients:

Grapes, washed and removed from stems

Strawberries, washed and stems removed

Vanilla flavored refrigerated yogurt (such as Dannon or Yoplait)

Cut the fruit into bite sizes (remember for children under the age of 4, cut the grapes in half to prevent choking hazards). Freeze the fruit for 30 minutes.

Coat with yogurt, and place on wax paper. Return to freezer for an additional 30 minutes.

You may substitute any other fruit that freezes well.

As much as I love this recipe, I think it's time for a new name. Please feel free to post your suggestions below in the comments section.