Iced Hot Chocolate

Recipe adapted from Parenting Magazine.

The original recipe was a little too strong for my milk chocolate-loving family.  I've adapted it here to make it a little more milky, sweeter, and less bitter.  The original proportions are included below if you prefer a darker, richer drink.


1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups low-fat milk
2 cups ice cubes
whipped cream

Combine cocoa powder and sugar in blender.  Add milk and blend for about 20 seconds to combine.  Add ice gradually, blending after each addition, until you have a thick slush.

Pour into 4 glasses and top with whipped cream.  Serve with a straw and a spoon.


Tips and Hints:
*The original recipe called for 1/2 cup cocoa powder, which makes for a much more hot chocolate flavor.  I loved it as it was, but the kids (and my husband) voted for a lighter chocolate.
*If the drink is too thin after adding two cups of ice, add up to another cup of ice to thicken.  If it's too thick, you can add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk to thicken.

Vanilla Hunny Shake

Original Recipe from Family Fun Magazine.

It only took one sip for all of my kids to declare this a keeper!  This tastes like a vanilla milkshake, but the honey and cinnamon give it an extra exotic flare.


1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey
pinch cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.  Pour into two tall glasses and serve immediately.


Tips and Hints:
*I doubled the recipe, but used about 3/4 cup milk for the double batch.  This made a thicker, richer shake.

Fruity Yogurt Drink

Original Recipe from Kraft Food and Family.


2 cups vanilla low fat yogurt
2 cups frozen strawberries
5 cups cold water, divided
1 pkt (makes 2 quarts) lemonade flavor drink mix (like Crystal Light)

In blender, combine yogurt, strawberries, 1 cup cold water, and drink mix.  Blend on medium speed until smooth.

Pour into a large pitcher and add additional 4 cups cold water.  Stir to combine.  Serve over ice if desired.  Makes 8, 1 cup servings.


Tips and Hints:
*Even my pickiest kid loved this refreshing combination of strawberry lemonade and a smoothie.
*Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Pinwheels

Quick and easy lunch.  A nice variation on a regular old sandwich.


4 flour tortillas (6")
4 slices American Cheese
4 slices smoked turkey
4 Romaine lettuce leaves

Place a tortilla on plate.  Put American cheese in the middle, layer one slice of smoked turkey and a lettuce leaf on top.  Roll up tightly.  Cut into 4 pinwheels.


Tips and Hints:
*If desired, spread 1/2-1 tsp mustard or mayonnaise on tortilla before layering cheese and meat.
*You can use your favorite cheese and deli meat instead of American and turkey.  Just make sure they are thinly sliced.
*There are so many great flavors of tortillas available--try using whole wheat, sundried tomato, or spinach for an interesting variation if you're feeling adventurous.
*Kids can help with this one.  Mine liked layering and rolling.

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Smoothie

Original Recipe from Kraft Food and Family Magazine

Not too sweet, super creamy, and very refreshing on a summer afternoon.

6 oz cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
6 graham crackers
2 cups frozen strawberries, thawed slightly

In blender, blend cream cheese, milk, 3 Tbsp sugar, vanilla, and graham crackers until smooth.  Pour all but about 1/2 cup of the mixture into a liquid measuring cup and reserve for later.

Add strawberries and remaining sugar to mixture in blender.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into 4 glasses.

Pour reserved cream cheese mixture gently over strawberry mixture in glasses.  If desired, crumble another graham cracker and sprinkle over top of smoothie.

Serve immediately with a straw.


Hints and Tips
*I was completely unsure about mixing graham cracker into a smoothie, but they blended in beautifully and made it really taste like strawberry cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.  Make sure you pulse the mixture several times to get all the large chunks of cracker mixed in.
*You could make this with other frozen fruit too--raspberry or peach would be delicious.
*My two picky middle children didn't like this because of the cream cheese, but the oldest and youngest slurped it all down in no time.
*Because of the cream cheese, this is a very rich smoothie.  You may want to either cut the recipe in half to make smaller portions or divide it into 6-8 glasses instead of 4 if you're looking for a lighter snack.

Candy ice cream pops

I saw this idea on a blog post somewhere.  I can't remember where to credit it!

Vanilla Ice Cream
M&Ms or other colorful candy


Let the ice cream sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften.  Sprinkle a few M&Ms in the bottom of popsicle molds or 5 oz plastic cups.

Layer about 2 Tbsp ice cream in each cup.  Sprinkle more M&Ms.  Repeat with another layer of ice cream.  Finish with more candy.  Sick a popsicle stick or plastic spoon in each cup.

Place in freezer for at least an hour. Eat and enjoy!


Tips and Hints
*I loved this idea because of the built in portion control.  Kids thought it was a fantastic treat, but it wasn't a huge amount of ice cream.  And I only did about 6 M&Ms per layer, so not a ton of candy either!
*We couldn't get ours to come out of the cups, so ended up eating them with a spoon.  I discovered by accident that they loosened up after about 5 minutes.  So just get them out a few minutes early and let them sit.  Then you can eat like a popsicle!
*These would also be good with chocolate ice cream.  You could substitute sprinkles for the M&Ms.  Or use other chopped up candy.  Really, candy+ice cream=you can't go wrong!