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Fun Summer Treats Without Sugar

from the Organically Raised Cookbook by Anni Daulter

By Book Review-Macaroni Kid National July 15, 2010

We're all trying hard to give our kids the best we can and help them develop a taste for food that will taste good AND be healthy! One of my Publisher Mom friends just happens to know this author and we are so lucky that she is sharing some of her favorite recipes with us.

Fun Summer Treats Without Sugar
By: Anni Daulter
Author of Organically Raised

Summer is a time for playing outside, running through sprinklers, going to the beach, and picking fresh strawberries! Summer also means enjoying refreshing treats that bring those memorable smiles to our kid’s faces.  Surprisingly, these don’t have to include sugar or processed junk; there is a way to create some easy tasty goodies for your kids, without the sugar overload! One thing I have learned from being a parent to four beautiful kids is that they all love treats, but the healthy ones satisfy their desires just as much as the unhealthy ones, so why not keep it good for them. I have also noticed that context matters! There are times when I give my kids something to eat at home at the table and they wont eat it, but given the same thing outside playing with their friends, they gobble it up.  This summer have fun playing with some no sugar treat recipes from my Organically raised book and see how your kids respond.  You will feel good about it and they will love them just as much. 

Rigel’s Rockin’ Fruity Veggie Pops

Being up front with kids about eating their veggies will help them grow to have a healthy appreciation for vegetables. Try including your kids when making these frozen ice pops so that your little ones realize that veggies are simply more ingredients that can also make sweet treats. These goodies are packed with protein, antioxidants, and vitamins B and C. Every age can enjoy them!

Makes 14

• 1 mango, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2 bananas, peeled and cut in half
• 1 small whole fresh pineapple, peeled and
• cut into pieces
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 2 cups water

1. Combine the mango, blueberries, bananas, pineapple, kale, spinach, and water in a food processor or a blender. Process until smooth. Add a little more water if the consistency is too
thick for you.

2. Pour the mixture into BPA-free ice-pop molds. Place the molds in the freezer. Serve the ice pops when frozen.

Mama Tip: Buy BPA free plastic pop molds.