Summer is the perfect time to treat yourself to the sweet, luscious frozen treats you love. As one of our favorite sayings goes, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream. And that’s kind of the same thing.” Here are five of our our favorite frozen treats.
Ice pops
Popsicles have come a long way since they were first invented in 1905 by an 11-year old boy who left his soda pop with a stir stick in it outside on the cold porch until it froze. A classic summer treat, popsicles are now available in a rainbow of gourmet flavors. The latest trend in popsicles is the popularity of artisanal ice pop or paletas shops, where flavors like spiced rhubarb, chili pineapple and watermelon lime are prepared with local seasonal ingredients. If you want to make your own ice pops with juice and fruit, or even tea and herbs, the possibilities are endless.
More than 25 ways to make freezer pops for pennies >>
Drumsticks
Remember peeling off the Drumstick wrapper and biting into that creamy vanilla ice cream? There’s something about Drumsticks that just says summertime. If you haven’t had a Drumstick in a while, you might be surprised to know they come in several new flavors, including classic, dipped, cookie-dipped, pretzel-dipped or sprinkled. We also love the new Drumstick Super Nugget (Yes, it’s true. They have an extra-big chocolate nugget at the bottom of the cone.) and Lil’ Drums, which are the perfect little guilt-free indulgence.
Homemade vanilla ice cream recipe >>
Push-Ups
Another classic ice cream treat, Push-Ups are as fun to eat now as they were when we were kids. We especially like the Rainbow Twisters Push-Ups, with four fruity flavors in each pinwheel-design pop. If you want to make your own push-pops for a party or special occasion, you can buy clear push-pop containers with lids from Garnish.
Smoothies
Fresh and fruity smoothies are the perfect drinkable frozen treat. They’re also super easy to make at home in the blender. Start with frozen berries, add a dollop of Greek yogurt and a splash of fruit juice or water, and sweeten with a drizzle of honey or agave syrup. Blend to desired consistency, and then pour and enjoy. If you prefer fresh fruit to frozen, just blend with plenty of ice to get the frosty texture that’s so refreshing on a hot summer day.
Summer fruit smoothie recipes >>
Homemade sorbet
Smooth, refreshing sorbet is naturally fat-free and super delicious. Did you know you can make your own sorbet with fruit juice or lemonade, some Ziploc bags, ice and rock salt? Pour lemonade or juice into a small Ziploc bag, and then place that bag into a larger Ziploc bag along with ice cubes and a sprinkling of rock salt. Have the kids shake, shake, shake (about five minutes) until the lemonade has turned into a slushy consistency. Then take out the small bag, wipe off the salt and pour the slushy sorbet into a bowl. Eat it quickly before it melts!
More summer tips and treats
Classic summer snacks
Refreshing summer snacks to pack for an outing
Tips for staying cool in the summer
More Stories from Food & Recipes
Leave a Comment