Community Corner

Patch Picks: Easy Homemade Summer Treats to Beat the Heat

Now that we're fully entrenched in summer, try these easy-to-make treats to help you and family cool off.

This was always a favorite of mine during my childhood — and still today. And it's simple to make. A couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream, add your favorite brand of rootbeer (mine is Mug) in a tall glass, grab a straw and long spoon and you're in paradise!

2. Kiwi ice pops

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Pleasing to the eye, and more so to your palate, this glowing, green goodie is appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

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  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 kiwis
  • 1/2 cup (about 4 limes) fresh lime juice

Directions:

  1. Make the syrup: Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the ice pops: Using a paring knife, cut kiwis into quarters, peel, and remove the white core and seeds from each piece. Place the seeded kiwi pieces in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and purée to a liquid — about 1 minute. Combine the puréed kiwi, 3/4 cup syrup, lime juice, and remaining 3/4 cup water in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into molds and freeze until solid — about 6 hours.

3. Watermelon wonder

Here's a two-for-one special where you combine a craft with a refreshing snack.

  1. Start by slicing off one end of the melon and setting it aside. Cut the insides into pieces, remove them, then scoop out any remaining chunks with a long-handled spoon (save the insides to make our scrumptious salad on the next page).

  • Carve windows and a door with a small knife, or if you really want to get fancy, break out your pumpkin-carving tools.

  • Use toothpicks as needed to join bits and pieces into shrubs and to secure the roof (made from the sliced-off end). To illuminate your stately mansion by night, place a battery-operated tea light inside.

  • 4. Chocolate-dipped frozen fruit

    Anything involving chocolate is an automatic hit — right? So why not add some delicious fruit to it? Whether you like grapes, strawberries, raspberries, etc., all you have to do is dip the fruit with a toothpick into some melted chocolate, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, and you have a chilly, sweet snack.


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