Food Friday (Surviving Summer - Part 2 - Stay Cool & Hydrated)

Yesterday I posted about dealing with excessive heat and humidity and the health reasons why you should stay calm, cool and collected during the summer.

Well, since we all occasionally want something besides water to achieve that, here’s a couple of cooling ideas that are guilt free and (believe it or not) very budget friendly!

Watermelon Green Tea Punch

Adapted from www.watermelon.org

2 cups watermelon purée 2 cups steeped green tea,

chilled (unsweetened)
1 cup grape juice
1/4 cup cherry juice (optional)
2 cups ginger ale

(or for the grown up version 2 cups of Chardonnay)

In a large pitcher, stir together the watermelon purée, green tea, grape juice, cherry juice and ginger ale or Chardonnay.

Mix well and chill. Serve over ice.

Serves 6-8.

Yogurt Pops

Yogurt offers a quick source of dairy and protein.  It’s cheap, healthful, and sweet enough to replace dessert.  Make these pops and enjoy the cooling benefits without the sugars, colouring and syrups.

Thanks to www.babble.com

One 32 oz container organic yogurt (vanilla works well)

1 ½ cups of frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)

6 popsicle molds (or more if you have them!)

Put one spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of the mold, drop in some berries, then another spoon of yogurt, continue layering until just below the top.  Place in the freezer for 4 hours.

Enjoy!!