The kids are out of school and these long, sunny summer days are calling your family out to the pool, the parks, and the beach. This breezy lifestyle usually means less structured meals and more easy, on-the-go snacks. Before you reach for the chips and dip, though, check out these recipes for fun and healthy snacks kids will love, courtesy of celebrity caterer Andrea Correale.
Homemade Juice Pops
Ice pops are a popular poolside go-to, but most options at the grocery store are full of excess sugar and artificial flavors. Make your own sweet and refreshing (and less processed) treat by simply freezing fresh-squeezed juice into ice-pop molds (we like Kinderville’s Little Bites Ice Pop Molds; $16.99). A juicer is a great tool, but you can also squeeze by hand. Any fruit will do, but Correale recommends watermelon—these melons are about 92 percent water, so you’ll get lots of juice!
Frozen Grape Skewers
The night before your pool party or beach outing, skewer a few handfuls of red and green grapes and stick them in the freezer. When frozen, grapes truly taste like hard candy! These are so simple to make and super fun for kids to eat.
Fruit Kabobs with Honey Yogurt Dip
This snack satisfies the sweet tooth but takes less prep time (skip the freezer). Cut up a variety of fresh fruit (berries are especially delicious in the summer) and slide onto skewers. Serve with this easy, low-fat dip: Ingredients: – 2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt – 1/2 cup honey – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions:Combine yogurt, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl; stir to blend.
Crudite Cups with Yogurt-Based Ranch Dressing
For a snack on the saltier side, skip the corn chips and French onion dip and opt for fresh veggies with a side of homemade dressing. Cut raw veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and peppers into sticks and serve in fun individual cups. For a healthier dip: Ingredients: – 2 cups plain yogurt – ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise – ½ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, celery leaves, and salt Directions:In a medium sized bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix it all very well and allow it to marinate for several hours overnight. Serve as dip or salad dressing.
Guacamole Parfaits
While delicious, guac can be messy. For a cleaner alternative, try layering your snack, like so: Ingredients: – 2 ripe avocados – ½ red onion, minced – 1 teaspoon Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced – 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – ½ teaspoon coarse salt – 1 dash freshly ground black pepper – ½ ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, finely chopped Directions: Peel and de-pit avocados, then mash together with the remaining ingredients to make your guacamole. Layer the guacamole, sour cream, and salsa in thick, fat shot glasses. Top with tortilla crumbles or strips. Andrea Correale is owner and creator of Elegant Affairs, a catering and event planning company serving Manhattan, Long Island, Westchester County, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Elegant Affairs has coordinated events for A-listers including Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, Russell Simmons, Jimmy Fallon, P. Diddy, and The Trumps.
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