Beat the Heat with These Super Summer Sweets (Yes, they’re healthy!)
I am on Global TV Weekend this morning sharing easy summer sweets that are much healthier than the usual fare. Just because you have a sweet tooth, it doesn’t mean you need to O.D. on sugar!
While the weather hasn’t been that great here in Vancouver, I have faith that the sunshine will return…and when it does, these summer treats will keep you cool AND satisfied!
Make a little magic in the freezer.
Frozen grapes don’t seem like they would be as exciting as they are in reality. Somehow, they transform into ice cream-like globes that will absolutely satisfy an ice cream craving. Here’s how to do it:
Select sweet red grapes and give them a wash. Pat dry. Lay them on a cookie sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until firmly frozen. Transfer to a freezer bag…or demolish them on the spot.
Swap your usual ice cream sandwich for something nicer.
Banana ‘nice cream’ makes the perfect whole food replacement for ice cream. This recipe ups the decadence quotient with some dark chocolate chips and a bit of peanut butter. Wedge between graham crackers and add some crunch with a bit of granola. SO GOOD!
I got this recipe from my friends at Nature’s Path…see it here.
When it’s too hot for chocolate bark…make Greek yogurt bark.
High protein, creamy and cold. Studded with whatever frozen fruit is in season! I got the recipe inspiration from The Kitchn. For my version, I simplified the recipe even further by simply buying sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt. Then I added local BC Cherries and sprinkled on some chia seeds for crunch and colour.
Pro tip: Make sure you buy true Greek yogurt, which is between 0-4% fat and is high in protein. Greek style yogurt is loaded with 8-10% saturated fat (yes, saturated fat still matters – don’t believe the internet)…meaning you might as well buy ice cream.
Paletas is Spanish for yummy.
Want to give my coconut lime paletas a try? Yes, you do. These sweet tart treats are here.
Ditch the sugary drinks and make a homemade infused iced tea instead…
it’s easy!
To make a delicious iced tea, follow this formula:
Ingredients
- 8 tea bags
- 4 cups boiling water
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup, or honey
- 1 fruit of choice
- 1 herb of choice
Instructions
- Steep teabags in boiling water for 5 minutes for black or green tea, and 10 minutes for herbal tea.
- Add maple syrup or honey to sweeten to taste.
- Choose one fruit and one herb and gently muddle in the bottom of a pitcher. Pour over the hot tea. Add 4 cups of cold water, ice and stir. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavour will be.
Great combos: lavender and blueberry, peach and mint, cucumber and pineapple.
Looking for an amazing veggie burger for summer cookouts? My regular Wednesday blog posts return this Wednesday, July 20th with an EPIC veggie burger!! Sign up for my weekly newsletter and never miss a post.
Photo Credit: Melissa Quantz
