What’s in Season?

Lately, the kids have been making fruit water every morning in our 3 gallon beverage dispenser. The goal is to drink through a whole jug each day.

Not lemonade, but water….flavored with fruit.

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The kids plead to be the ones to make a new batch each morning, so I have made it the “reward” for previous day actions.  Cucumbers are my favorite. (Yes, Cucumbers are scientifically classified as fruits. Having an enclosed seed and developing from a flower, however, they tend to be seen as vegetables, being prepared and eaten as such.)

Love this seasonal fruit guide a friend recently shared with me…

Another easy idea for kids to use fruit this summer is to freeze grapes.  They make the perfect afternoon summer treat.

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Just run the grapes under cool water in colander, then have the kids pick them off and place in plastic container to pop in freezer.  I use lil plastic cups or dixie cups to serve to lil ones.  Plus it makes me feel like I am at the Grand Wailea Cabanas in Hawaii.

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Check out this clever idea on Pinterest.  Originally featured on Southern Living for an outdoor pizza party, these fruit popsicles dipped in prosecco would be absolutely fab for a hot summer nights gathering.  Need a kid-friendly option?  Serve the fruit popsicle in a clear tumbler with sparkling apple cider!

Lastly, I leave you with this ice treat recipe for Berry Ice.

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Berry Ice

1/2 cup fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries

filtered water

ice cube trays

Place one layer of blueberries and raspberries into the bottom of the tray, cover with water to the halfway mark. Freeze for 2 hours or until mostly frozen. Remove and place another layer of berries, cover with water and place back into freezer for 4 hours. For the strawberries I chose smaller berries and popped them in whole, taking up the entire cube, the covering with water. Freeze for 4 hours.

The variations are endless!  Some favorites are Lemonade with berries. Iced tea with berries for our iced tea. Add raspberries to a pitcher of lemonade which is always a hit with kids and adults. For the over 21 crowd, lemonade with berries mixed into cocktail or champagne.  Summer fun!