11 July 2013

100% Fruit Juice

Fruit juices are great for making home made ice lollies and children will love this refreshing treat in the summer. Choose 100% pure fruit juice if you can, without any added sweeteners or sugar (see previous post on this blog ´A spoonful of sugar...´ for more information about the side effects of sugar). Fruit juice is also prefered to squash as quite often squash is full of refined sugars and artificial sweetners.
 
You can use orange juice, peach juice, apple juice, apple and blackcurrant juice...the list is endless. Simply pour the juice into ice lolly moulds and freeze!
 
YUM!

9 July 2013

Smoothies And Juices

Why not try a few of these out this summer? All you need appliance wise is either a hand held blender for the smoothies or a smaller juicer for the juices.
 
You may notice that I don't use ice in juices and smoothies, not only does this water down the flavour, it can also put more strain on the body (especially the kidneys) if excessive amounts of ice cold drinks are consumed. A freshly made juice or smoothie is perfect and the sooner it is drunk once made, the more vitamins you and your family will be able to absorb. Also see a previous post on this blog called ´The White Stuff´ for more information about dairy foods.

 
Smoothie Ideas
Using banana and rice milk as a base you can create very creamy 100% dairy free smoothies. Rice Milk is preferred to soya as it is easier for the body to digest as raw soya products can cause inflammation and bloating. By adding a  few grains of sea salt you can also bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit and help balance the acidity thus making it easier to digest.
  • Banana, Rice Milk, Strawberry
  • Banana and Rice Milk with Almonds
  • Banana, Rice Milk and Blackberries
  • Kiwi, Apple, Banana and Orange
  • Banana, Rice Milk and Pineapple
  • Banana, Rice Milk and Peach
  • Fruit Salad: Banana, Kiwi, Orange, Strawberry and Rice Milk
  • Peach, Orange and Apple Juice
  • Banana, Rice Milk and Cinnamon
  • ?? (Experiment and enjoy creating your own flavours!)
 
Juice Ideas
MMmm fresh carrot juice! If you haven’t tried it, add it to your to do list this summer. Children will love the natural sweetness.
  • Carrot and Apple
  • Carrot and Pear
  • Celery, Apple and Mint
  • Pear and Apple
  • Carrot, Orange, Apple and Beetroot
  • Carrot, Apple and Celery
  • Apple, Orange, Cucumber and Mint
  • Apple, Cherry, Orange
  • ?? (Experiment and enjoy creating your own flavours!)
 

8 July 2013

Hot Hot Hot!

How is everyones summer starting off so far? Enjoying the sunshine and all that summer has to offer?

So what is summer all about for you and your family? More outdoor time, camping, walks, swimming, reducing the amount of TV or simply having the opportunity to have some quality family time a after a busy year working or at school?

Whatever summer may represent for you and your family, it can also be a time to enjoy the fresh seasonal produce that is now available. Sugar snap peas, golden corn on the cob, fresh beetroot, green runner beans, crisp radishes and not forgetting sweet, juicy strawberries. Summer is a great time to incorporate a few smoothies, juices, salads and fruit to balance the warmth that the sunshine brings.

When children arrive home after a long day at school, feeling hot and bothered and often irritable as they are hungry, a small juice or smoothie can be great whilst dinner is being prepared. This needn't be a XL super sized juice as obviously that will affect their appetite. However a small juice can keep them going until dinner, helping them to cool down after a hot day.

Juice and smoothie recipe ideas to follow...

2 July 2013

Have A Good One!

Is it just me or has this year flown by?! July already, things are hotting up and what a perfect way to enjoy some summertime treats.

Ideas and recipes to follow soon...if you have any thing you wish to share with other followers too, do post your comments on this blog.

Bring on a fun filled summer, full of new experiences, ideas, great food and joy!