Summertime means picnics, the pool, playing outside and icy cold treats for the kids! Instead of spending hours in the kitchen while everyone else is outside, get the kids involved and have them help create a few sweet summer treats. Check out these super-simple recipes that give the kids the chance to mix, measure and make their own summer sensations.
Peanut Butter Banana S’mores
You’ve got the backyard fire pit going, or maybe the family has taken off for a quick camping trip. In either case, you’re ready and primed for some sweet s’mores! Why go traditional when you can dress up the usual graham, marshmallow and chocolate stack? Add a few new ingredients for a special surprise that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Creamy peanut butter
- Chocolate bars
- Marshmallows
- Bananas
How-to steps:
- Slice the bananas into thin, round pieces.
- Toast the marshmallows. If you have a fire available, use the stick roasting method. If not, you can still make s’mores. Microwave each marshmallow for roughly 10 seconds (microwaves vary in strength, so you may need more or less time) or bake them in the oven (bake the marshmallows on top of the graham crackers in an oven-safe pan at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown).
- Stack a piece of chocolate on the graham cracker.
- Smooth on a layer of peanut butter.
- Press a few banana slices onto the peanut butter.
- Add the marshmallow.
- Finish the s’more with another graham cracker.
Watermelon Ice
Cool off with this chilly treat that couldn’t be easier to make! This is perfect for those mid-July and August heatwaves or during pool parties.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- Watermelon
- Option: Mint or basil
How-to steps:
- Cut the watermelon into cubes.
- Squish the melon. Put it into a zipper bag and close completely. Have the kids use the backs of spoons or their freshly washed hands to squish, smoosh and flatten the melon.
- Crush the ice in a blender (do this step for the kids).
- Pour the ice into a bowl.
- Drizzle the crushed watermelon (and the juice) over the ice and stir.
- Optional: Add fresh mint or basil to the top as a garnish.
Flower Fruit Mud Pie
What kid doesn’t like playing with mud? In this case the ‘mud’ is actually chocolate ice cream. But, this no-bake recipe is still super-summer messy fun!
Ingredients:
- Chocolate ice cream
- Graham crackers
- Peaches
- Cherries
How-to steps:
- Crush a few graham crackers in the blender. Bend until they are the consistency of sand.
- Pour the crushed crackers into a small-sized bowl.
- Spoon chocolate ice cream on top of the grahams. Have your child spread the ice cream out to make a ‘mud’ layer.
- Cut the peaches into thin slices for your child.
- Create a flower on top of the ‘mud’. Your child can position the peach slices as petals and add a cherry in the middle!
Are you proud of the sweet summertime recipes that your kids whipped up? Show us, so that we can inspire others with your child’s culinary creations! Submit your recipe photos to us at connect@angelibebe.com for us to share.
