Kids Cuisine

Though it was a little cold this weekend, we are definitely in full-swing spring in my area. The cherry blossoms are out and I awake to birds chirping every morning. The food chains know this too, and they have been celebrating spring by pushing their cold drinks. Did you get free iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts a few weeks ago? I did, and as I sat sipping it, I envisioned 70 degree days and picnics…

Of course, iced coffee probably isn’t the best drink for little ones. For them, spring time is smoothie time. I have a great cook book that my mom used in the ’80s, Kids Snacks from Better Homes and Gardens. It’s pretty much impossible to find now, but if you ever see it, grab it! There are lots of fun and tasty recipes, including some of my favorite smoothie and shake recipes.

Here are a couple of my favorite recipes from the book:

Strawberries Through a Straw

• 3 cups frozen strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Put these in a blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy the tart and tangy goodness!

Cow in the Apple Orchard

I loved this one as a kid because it tasted like frozen apple pie, and because it had a great name!

• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 of a 6-ounce can (1/3 cup) of frozen apple juice concentrate
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (more to taste)

Combine milk and apple juice in the blender until well mixed, then add ice cream and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Makes 5 6-ounce servings.

There are many more recipes from this book, so stay tuned!