Sun Tea:
Be sure to use distilled water when making sun tea for safety.
Ingredients:
your favourite tea loose or in a bag
distilled water
(optional) fresh fruit (lemon slices, peach, strawberry, orange)
(Optioanl) fresh herbs like mint
(Optioanl) honey or other sweetener
Ice cubes
Step 1: Place tea bags in a clean jar (You can use loose tea howver you will have to strain the tea to drink it afterwards).
Step 2: Add filtered or distilled water, any fruit or herbs (if using) and screw on the lid.
step 3: Place the jar on a bright windowsill or out in your garden for at least 3 hours. The longer you let it sit, the darker it will steep so this depends on preference. Sun tea is usually more meloow compared to tea brewed in hot water.
Step 4: Strain the fruit, herbs or loose tea.
Step 5: Taste and add honey or other sweetner, if desired.
Step 6: You can put it in the fridge to chill, if required. Then serve with ice.
NOTE: Refrigerate any left over tea and use within 2 days.
"USE IT UP" SUMMER CHILL SMOOTHIE
No need to buy special ingredients for this recipe. Just check your pantry and fridge and blend away.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups liquid (juice, diary or non-dairy milk, coconut water, leftover syrup from a can of peaches etc.)
1/2 cup thickener (dairy or non-dairy yogurt - you can use frozen ice cubes of yogurt, too)
2 to 3 cups of fruit (you can use frozen fruit as well)
(Optional) 1 tbsp nut butter, flax seed, wheat germ, rolled oats
(Optional) cinnamon or vanilla or other natural flavorings
(Optional) ice cubes - especially if you don't use any frozen fruit
(Optional) 1 to 2 tbsp sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave, date syrup, jam)
Add your liquid ingredients first. Then add the dry ingredients (like oats or cinnamon). If you are using fresh fruit, add that next.. Lastly add the frozen ingredients, including ice. You want the heaviest frozen ingredients at the top to prevent the blender from stalling. Start on low and then power it up to high. If you have too much frozen items and it stalls, stop and mix with a spatula to rotate the mixture. You may need to add more liquid as well. Blend until smooth and taste to see if it needs any sweetener. Enjoy!
WATERMELON:
This fruit always reminds me of summer!
FOODS
DINNER:
Lemonade:
Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
8 lemons if you are making a jag or 2 tbsp of lemon juice per glass
water
ice-cubes
(a juice squeezer is a good thing to have, too).
Step 1: Put the sugar and the water in a small pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Cool to room temperature or make before and put in the fridge to use when you and your child are ready to make lemonade). This is called a simple syrup.
Step 2: Squeeze the lemons with a juicer or a fork to get 2 tablespoons of juice per glass if making individual glasses. Otherwise, squeeze 8 lemons and pour the juice in a pitcher.
step 3: For an individual serving, in a glass combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of sugar syrup and ¾ cup of water. Otherwise, add cold water and a little sugar syrup at a time (keep tasting to get to your preferred sweetness).
Step 4: Gently with a spoon and then add ice cubes and addtional sliced lemons to make it look fruity.
Step 5: Sip and enjoy!
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Summer
Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Make your own ice cream sandwiches that will be 10x's better than store bought ones. In the morning bake your favourite chocolate chip (or other type) cookie recipe. Let them cool and harden a bit so leave them on the counter and not sealed in a conainer. Either make your own ice cream or use your favourite ice cream from the store. Sit it out of the freezer to loosen a bit to make scooping easier. All you need to do is scoop some ice cream on top of a cookie and top it with another cookie! Viola! An Ice Cream Sandwich!
Corn on the Cob:
Serve some corn on the cob on the side for a seasonal vegetable.
Popsicles:
Of course, you can buy some Popsicles already made, but it is also fun and very easy to make your own. There are many different recipes using juices, yogurt, puddings, Jell-O mixes, fruit purees...the possibilities are endless.
For a simple easy freezy treat try this simple recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of white grape juice.
Step 1: Stir both juices together and pour into Popsicle molds. OR pour into paper cups and cover with plastic wrap and stick clean craft sticks or Popsicle sticks through the wrap and into the juice.
Step 2: Freeze for several hours then enjoy!
PICNIC WRAP:
Every family member pick his/her favourite sandwich toppings and wraps them in a tortilla. You then wrap that in waxed paper or parchement paper and you’re good to go for a picnic or some fun at the park or beach.
DESSERT:
LUNCH:
Barbecue:
Anything cooked on a barbecue (like burgers or chicken) make a great summer dinner. Be sure to eat outside to enjoy warm summer evenings.
HOT DOGS:
Barbecued hot dogs make a tasty summer lunch for kids.
SNACKS:
Ice Cream in a Bag:
Of course, you can buy icea cream at the store or a local shop or cart. You can even make your own if you have an icea cream machine. But you can also make ice cream using re-sealable bags. I don't buy these anymore but I have plenty cleaned out and in my pantry that I re-use. If you are re-using make sure you have ones that still seal.
Ingredients: 1 cup of half and half cream (or coffee cream); 2 tbsp whtie sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups of ice cubes; 1/3 cup of kosher or course salt.
Step 1: In a small re-sealable bag combine the cream, sugar and vanilla. Push out the air and seal.
Step 2: In a large re-sealable plastic bag combine the ice and salt.
Step 3: Place the small bag inside the big bad and shake, shake, shake! Keep shaking and passing to the next person in the family for about ten minutes. You will know when it's ready becuase the cream will have hardened.
Step 4: Remove the small bag form the big bag and enjoy the fresh ice cream with your favourite toppings.
Veggies and Dip:
Check the Garden Theme Day - Foods Page to learn how to make an easy dip. If you have a garden, try some fresh veggies for a snack, or visit your local Farmers Market for some seasonal vegetables that would be the perfect healthy and crunchy summer snack.
Visit your local farmers market for some fresh summer treats!
Scroll to the bottom of the Summer Jar - Food Suggestions Page to find other Popsicle Recipes to try!
BREAKFAST:
Popsicles:
Of course, you can buy some Popsicles already made, but it is also fun and very easy to make your own. There are many different recipes using juices, yogurt, puddings, Jell-O mixes, fruit purees...the possibilities are endless.
For a simple easy freezy treat try this simple recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of white grape juice.
Step 1: Stir both juices together and pour into Popsicle molds. OR pour into paper cups and cover with plastic wrap and stick clean craft sticks or Popsicle sticks through the wrap and into the juice.
Step 2: Freeze for several hours then enjoy!
FARMERS MARKET:
Visit your local Farmers Market and see what's fresh and in season. Try to purchase waste free by bringing your own containers. Berries and peaches make delicious and healthy snacks.