Cooling Off

Most of us love that summer is here and enjoy being outside, feeling the sunshine on our faces, but summer heat can leave us feeling hot and exhausted.  Here are a few "go to" recipes that should keep you refreshed and cool.  If you have children, grandchildren or younger siblings, have them help, that's how quick and easy these recipes are.

Tropical Pops

Ingredients:
16 oz. pure OJ
2 1/2 c frozen cubed mangoes
2 tsp. agave (optional)
2/3 c. non-dairy vanilla yogurt
Dixie cups
Popsicle sticks (hard plastic ones can be re-used)

Directions:
Place all ingredients into high-speed blender and process until very smooth.  Pour mix into Dixie cups, almost full, place popsicle stick in center.  Place cups in freezer until set (about 2 hours).  To eat, just rip away the Dixie cup and enjoy.  Serves about 10


Chocolate Pudding
Serves 2

Ingredients:
1/2 avocado (pit removed and skin removed)
1/4 c. non-dairy milk of choice
2 Tbsp. agave or pure maple syrup
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Scoop avocado out of skin and place in high-speed blender or food processor.  Process until smooth, add remaining ingredients and process until combined and smooth.  Scrap pudding into bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.  Can eat plain, use as a dip for fruits or make into frozen pudding pops.


Date Bites

Ingredients:
6 large pitted dates
6 tsp. sunflower butter
raw, unsalted almond slivers or pumpkin seeds (optional)

Directions:
Slice date in middle, but not all the way through.  Spread sunflower butter down center, garnish with almond slivers or pumpkin seeds. If not eating right away, store in an airtight container in the fridge.

These recipes are so fast and yummy that I usually end up doubling or tripling the recipes to have lots on hand.