Cool Treats for Hot Days: Cooking with Kids this summer

Summer is here Denver and now is the perfect time to introduce your little ones to the joys of cooking! The warm weather, long days, and abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from our local farmer’s markets provide endless opportunities for fun and delicious culinary adventures. In this post, we'll explore a variety of cool treats that are perfect for Colorado summer days. These recipes are not only refreshing and tasty but also simple enough for kids to help with, making them the ideal way to spend quality time together in the kitchen.

1. Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain or flavored yogurt

• 1 cup fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or mango)

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Popsicle molds or small paper cups and popsicle sticks

Instructions:

1. Blend the yogurt, fruit, and honey (if using) until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups.

3. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.

4. To remove, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds.

2. Watermelon Slushies

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Add lime juice and honey or sugar if desired, and blend again.

3. Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until the mixture is slushy.

4. Serve immediately in chilled glasses.

3. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt

• 1 cup granola

• 2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)

• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In clear cups or jars, layer the yogurt, granola, and berries.

2. Repeat the layers until the cups are full.

3. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.

4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

4. DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of your favorite ice cream

• 1 batch of homemade or store-bought cookies

Instructions:

1. Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature.

2. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto one cookie and top with another cookie to make a sandwich.

3. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm.

4. Enjoy your homemade ice cream sandwiches straight from the freezer.

5. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

• A variety of colorful fruits (such as strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, grapes, and blueberries)

• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces.

2. Thread the fruit onto the skewers, alternating colors to create a rainbow effect.

3. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Tips for Cooking with Kids

• Safety First: Always supervise your children in the kitchen, especially when using sharp utensils or hot appliances.

• Get Creative: Encourage your kids to use their imagination when it comes to choosing ingredients and decorating their treats.

• Keep It Fun: Make cooking a game by turning it into a cooking competition or having a taste test at the end.

• Be Patient: Cooking with kids can be messy and time-consuming, but the memories made and skills learned are well worth the effort.

Cooking with kids during the summer is a fantastic way to keep them entertained while teaching them valuable life skills. These cool treats are sure to be a hit with the whole family, providing refreshing snacks to enjoy all summer long. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start making delicious memories in the kitchen!