Summer is here!  Along with our busy everyday schedules and responsibilities, one of the last things we want to do is turn on the oven in our Locust Grove homes as the temperatures rise.  Here are some easy and simple summer treats for any occasion that will help keep you and your home cool.

Lemon Strawberry Trifle

No baking required for this easy and simple summer treat.  You can also try out adding different fruits that are in season too! Some of our favorites include blueberries and blackberries.

Ingredients:

  • One store bought angel cake (can substitute pound cake)
  • Two 3.4 oz packages of lemon pudding mix
  • 2 1/2 cups of milk
  • 2 pounds of strawberries
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp confectioner’s sugar

Directions:

1. To make the whipped cream: In a bowl of an electric mixer, place the heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar.  With the whisk attachments, mix on medium speed for three to four minutes until soft peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the lemon pudding mix and milk.  Whisk according to directions on the box.  Let firm in the refrigerator for five minutes.

3. Cut the angel cake into cubes and slice strawberries.

4. Take the lemon pudding out of the refrigerator.  Gently fold a half of cup of whipped cream into the pudding.

5. Starting at the base of your trifle dish (a bowl works too), put a layer of angel food cake. 

6. Then add a layer of sliced strawberries followed by the lemon pudding.  Repeat until the bowl is filled.

7. Dollop the top layer with remaining whipped cream.  

8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Blueberry Popsicles

These are perfect easy and simple summer treats for those hot days.  You can substitute whatever fruit you have-fresh or frozen.  If you have popsicle molds, then use them.  If not, a paper cup (like these 3 oz ones)  with a popsicle stick will do the job.  Although, with how expensive they are, investing in some molds may be the way to go. 

Ingredients:

  • Popsicle molds or cups with sticks (see note above)
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups of blueberries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • ⅔ cup of sugar
  • ⅔ cup of water

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Let cool.

2. In a bowl, use a potato masher or fork to smash blueberries.

3. Add cream and sugar syrup and stir to combine.

4. Use a spoon to to place mixture into the popsicle molds.

5. Freeze until firm.

6. To unmold, set out on counter for a few minutes or run the mold under some warm water.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Bananas

Simple and easy summer treats for kids to make, chocolate covered bananas make a little bit of a healthier desert…well depending on how many toppings you add.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large peeled bananas cut into thirds
  • 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can also try out bittersweet or milk chocolate)
  • Popsicle sticks

Topping Suggestions:

  • ¾ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
  • ¾ cup crushed graham crackers
  • ¾ cup shredded coconut

Directions:

1. To melt chocolate chips: Place in a microwavable safe bowl and heat for 45 seconds on low.  Stir.  Continue to heat at 20 second increments until the chocolate has melted.  Make sure to stir well in between each increment. It’s important to do smaller twenty second increments, so the chocolate doesn’t over heat.

2. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.  Place popsicle sticks in bananas.

3. Using a spoon, coat the bananas in the chocolate and then immediately add the topping of your choice.

4. Place in freezer until firm which is about two hours.  Then, enjoy!