Robin's Healthy Take: Kid-Friendly Summer Treats

Make these summer-perfect, kid-friendly sweets from Robin Miller all summer long.
Ice Cream Sandwiches

Hooray! School’s out and the lazy days of summer are here! And with that comes, "Mom, I’m bored…" Take advantage of having your little (and not so little) ones around and make memories and treats at the same time. We love to cook together in our house, and dessert is always a hit. Living in the desert, cold desserts are a must. And since Mother Nature’s been warming up the entire U.S. lately, I think you’ll love these, too!

Chocolate Chip Waffles With Strawberry Ice Cream (pictured above)

Chocolate chip waffles make perfect ice cream sandwiches! I like the combination of strawberry with chocolate, but you can use any light ice cream or frozen yogurt flavor you want.

Ingredients:
8 frozen chocolate chip waffles
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups light strawberry ice cream

Directions:

Toast waffles according to package directions. Place chocolate chips in a shallow dish. Top four waffles with an equal amount of ice cream (1/2 cup each). Top with second waffle. Press down gently so that ice cream fills the sandwich. Roll sandwiches in chocolate chips, pressing gently so that the chips stick to the ice cream. Serve or freeze until ready to serve. Serves 4

Frozen Creamsicle Pie

Blend whipped topping, sweetened condensed milk and orange juice and you’ve got a virtual creamsicle. And by using light whipped topping and fat-free sweetened condensed milk, the calories and fat are greatly reduced. I’ve also made this pie with lemon juice and lime juice (1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup) and that’s yummy too!

Frozen Creamsicle Pie

Note: The filling makes more than you need for one 9-inch crust,so I like to freeze the extra in popsicle molds or lined muffin tins!

Ingredients:
14-ounce can fat-free sweetened condensed milk

8-ounce tub frozen light non-dairy whipped topping, thawed according to package directions

1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9-inch prepared graham cracker crust

Directions:

Whisk together condensed milk, whipped topping, orange juice, orange zest and vanilla. Pour mixture into prepared crust and freeze until firm (at least 4 hours). Serves 8

Robin Miller is a nutritionist, host of Quick Fix Meals, author of “Robin Rescues Dinner” and the busy mom of two active little boys. Her boys and great food are her passion. Check her out at www.robinrescuesdinner.com.

What are you cooking with your kids this summer? Tell us the comments!

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