Cool And Calorie Free Frozen Fruit Treats

Is there a low cal alternative to ice cream for a summer treat? Yes, and they're even more delicious than a scoop of butter pecan. It's frozen fruit which is not only good for you but refreshing.

Fruit popsicles are a tasty and cooling treat on any muggy , not day,. They're  tasty as either a snack or a dessert after a barbecue. Take advantage of June's harvests. Cherries, strawberries, blueberries and peaches are out in abundance at farmer's markets and supermarkets.Use them to create sweet treats. Coarsely chop the fruits and pour into popsicle molds (there are some cute ones out there).Add low sugar grape juice or fruit punch to give them body. For a more festive look sub in fizzy flavored seltzer that will give the pops  "frozen" bubbles. These can also be dipped in dark chocolate for added flavor .A more sophisticated take is granita, the easiest ice to make. This is an Italian classic, even being served with a brioche for breakfast in Sicily. Try a lemon one for a cool, summery break from hot temps. It's cooking the lemons down with  both the  juice and zest with water and sugar and then freezing in metal pans.Let the liquid  sit for thirty minutes,take the pan out and stir the ice crystals, Repeat  this every half hour for three hours. The final result is an icy  slush that's served in goblets or bowls.

If you don't have time for this don't despair.There are some very tasty pops out there  that are chock full of fruit and goodness.A caveat though before shopping. Look to see what the ingredients are Avoid those with fructose. Outshine is a new company but it's giving the more traditional brands a run for their money. They have such delicious flavors as grape, watermelon and a host of berry flavored popsicles.. Get their variety pack to please the whole family. The company has also gotten on the coconut water bandwagon and is offering one made with the milk.It's also loaded with large pineapple chunks. Dole has put out a yummy treat  Dippers. The fruit company is dipping a toe in the froze treat department with their low calorie but sinfully good dark chocolate dipped frozen strawberries and bananas. The strawberries are the best and there are two slices one to a pack. It's a marriage of two great flavors in a refreshingly cold treat. Add them to low cal frozen yogurt for a fun sundae.Diana's Banana's  are another frosty treat  that perfect for the dog days ahead. They are  dark chocolate covered banana slices which make for some good snacking on a sweaty night.

Don't turn to ice cream when the temps rise. Go for frozen, fruity treats instead. They're healthier and goo for you , both for cooling off and for getting better nutrition.

Feeding A Summer Cold

This is day three of a summer cold. It is miserable for anybody, for a foodie like myself is just torture.
Unfortunately the appetite lags as my taste for food goes south. What do I eat without upsetting my stomach. What can  perk up those taste buds?

Bouillon cubs have definitely become my best friends. So far I can get broth down and I always recommend having these culinary lifesavers in the kitchens.There are also excellent  for cooking rice in to give them flavor as well as being the base for light soups. Noodles or any pasta are also good because you can make a simple, easy to eat lunch or dinner. Try a light butter sauce or if you're feeling a bit more peckish add sliced fresh tomatoes, preferably the plum kind and maybe a dash of oregano. Toast is a must have.It's good with butter or just dry ,and it's an easy  meal to get down. Crackers are another , They good , just eaten on their own along with being filling. Smear jam on them for an easy dessert.I also always have fresh ginger on hand. It's the best bet in making a stomach and throat soothing tea.

One of the best things about a summer cold (if it can be considered that) is that you can feed it with fresh fruit. Any harvest, from peaches to melons are good, bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, Cut the fruit into bite sized pieces so  they 're easier to eat. Remember , that you'll have a loss of appetite to even going through a watermelon slice will be a chore. You would think that the season's fave ice cream would be the perfect antidote for a cold. Not true. Ice cream is dairy which causes phlegm = more gook to deal with when you're already snot laden. Go for Italian ice or popsicles. These are water based and are easier on your system.Somehow they're also more soothing too.Another  must is drinking water. We have to anyway to stay hydrated however a cold also dries you out too. Have fresh water, infused with  melon or lemon to make it more refreshing. Both hot and cold tea is also good.

A summer cold is the ultimate bummer. However by eating light and healthy you can make it tolerable. It'll be a small glitch in an otherwise bright season.

Strollo's Italian Ices A Jersey Shore Classic

The Jersey shore and Italian ices go hand in hand. After all , what's a perfect ending to a relaxing day at the beach than a cool, creamy and flavorful Italian ice. There are many that dot the shoreline but one stands out and that's Strollo's Lighthouse Ices of Long Branch ,New Jersey.The Strollo's have been serving ice since the 1930's They've added a few mor e locations and types n those seventy odd years but they still produce top quality frozen treats.

When I first discovered Strollo's Ices about twenty years ago, they not only had their trademark product but also sausage and pepper sandwiches to celebrate their Southern Italian heritage. There were also just a handful of flavors too. I loved their cherry and chocolate ices and it was always such a pleasure to get them.Now they've moved to a specially built ice stand with a large parking lot and table area. The sandwiches are gone however there are plenty of different ices and soft ice cream that you'll enjoy.

I decided to try their lime ice and it was worth it.It was cool and tangy, creamy and smooth Unlike some ices this was not grainy or watery. Plus the taste was refreshing. Strollo's has added mango , peanut butter(!) cappuccino and blueberry to their original list and strawberry ice cream to their original chocolate and vanilla ones. I plan on going to nearby Monmouth Beach at least one a week this summer so I ' will sample all of Strollo's flavors.

There's nothing like the Jersey shore for fun in the sun. Afterwards stop off at Strollo's for a refreshing frozen treat.It's the perfect end to a beach day!

Your Best Summer Barbecue Ever!!!!

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to stat planning barbecues. What makes a great outdoor party? Namely good food. Have something for every one's tastes. It doesn't have to be elaborate like a winter indoor party. Sometimes all it takes is a few easy to make dishes and voila - a memorable time.

Any outdoor party deserves a few nibbles. They don't have to be fancy cheese puffs (way too hot to make on a summer's day). Have a plate of veggies out with a cooling dip. Because of the salmonella outbreak amongst beefsteak and plum tomatoes serve grape and cherry ones. Also have broccoli, cauliflower, and some green beans for an interesting spin on crudites. As for dip think about making a quick vinaigrette and a richer ranch one. Hummus is a great appetizer. You can make it yourself or buy it from your local supermarket. Serve with pita crisps, crackers or thickly sliced French bread. Bruschetta is a another wonderful hors' oeuvre. For a new variation put a layer of sliced pepperoni or salami under the chopped tomato spread.

A barbecue's main course is always fun. You can have steaks, lamb chops and chicken breasts for a fancier take or just plain hamburgers and hot dogs for a more down to earth dining. For any kind of meat think about serving chutneys as opposed to relishes. Vegetable kabobs make an interesting side and you vary the combos. Grill some asparagus and peppers to go with your meats . These are a more sophisticated take on regular sides. If you still like the salad route , then go with potato salad seasoned with curry or a beet salad flavored with cloves. An easy side dish is macaroni salad but nix the mayo. Mix in olive oil, hot pepper flakes and some chopped broccoli. This isn't as cloying as the regular kind and goes well with grilled steak or chops.

An outdoor meal deserves a dessert worthy of the season. Keep in mind that sometimes just berries and fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip is a great meal ender. For a naughty kind of fun, you can forgo the cream and soak your strawberries ,blueberries and blackberries in wine. You'll not only get a sweet with a punch but also a fruity after dinner drink. You can also serve ice and mix it with vodka or rum for that people love frozen drinks so try to steer guests to maybe two at the very most). If you're still intent on serving some kind of cake, think of a store bought angel food one. This is light and can have a side of fruit or even ice cream.

This is the season to revel in outdoor entertaining. Have an array of tasty and unusual dishes for your and your guests. It's a perfect way to celebrate warm sunny days and starry breeze kissed nights.