4 Fun and Easy Summer Snacks You Can Feel Good About
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As you get ready for picnics and long days at the beach, don’t forget to pack some fun in your lunch cooler! These four snacks are easy to prepare — and healthy too. Enjoy them at the pool, the barbeque or the park this summer.
“Ants on a Log”
Ingredients: Celery, chocolate chips, peanut butter
Instructions: Cut the celery into sticks and spread a small scoop of peanut butter onto each. Top with chocolate chips (your “ants”) and you are good to go. Pack them in small Tupperware containers to take them on your next summer adventure.
Tip: Sub out peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter or any other spread you enjoy. Nut allergy? Try sunflower butter to change it up. You can also swap chocolate chips for raisins or dried cranberries.
Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients: One and a half pounds of sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Peel your sweet potatoes, then slice them thin — a mandolin works best for this, but you can also do it by hand with a knife. Combine oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add sliced sweet potatoes to the bowl to toss with oil. Spread them in a thin single layer on the baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes on each side, then let them cool for 10 minutes to crisp up.
Tip: Add dried rosemary and thyme to your seasoning for fresher flavor. You might also try barbeque seasoning.
Berries and Cream
Ingredients: Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, whipped cream
Instructions: Wash your berries. Cut the strawberries into quarters, then toss in a bowl with other berries. Add a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip for a healthy, refreshing treat.
Tip: The colors in this healthy dessert make it a hit at Fourth of July parties. Get creative with the fruit you add — consider tossing in sliced bananas or raspberries as well.
Easy Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients: Two to three cups of watermelon, two limes, liquid sweetener (optional)
Instructions: Cut watermelon into small chunks and freeze overnight. Place frozen chunks in a food processor and add lime juice. Avoid adding too much liquid at first, and instead, add it gradually. You may also add in a liquid sweetener if desired. Once the mixture has a sorbet-like texter, it is ready to serve!
Tip: Add fresh cream or coconut milk to your mixture for a thicker, ice cream-like consistency.
Make these snacks ahead of time and keep them handy for all of your summer activities! Bon Appetit!
