Get ready to beat the summer heat with 3 refreshing summer treats perfect for little ones in EYFS childcare nurseries. From strawberry smoothie to Watermelon popsicles, these refreshing snacks are both delicious and nutritious, providing the fuel kids need for their summer adventures. Let’s dive into the flavours of the season and keep those smiles shining bright!

Strawberry Smoothie

A Strawberry Smoothie embodies the essence of summer with its sweet, ripe strawberries. This creamy delight is both delicious and nutritious, packed with the goodness of fresh fruit and dairy. This smoothie makes for the perfect snack in nurseries, where health and taste are equally important. Simply blend succulent strawberries with creamy yoghurt and a splash of milk for a flavourful treat that delights young taste buds. Its smooth texture and vibrant pink hue add a touch of whimsy to snack time.

The strawberry smoothie recipe on Yummy Toddler Food includes the following ingredients:

1. Frozen strawberries
2. Banana
3. Plain whole milk yoghurt
4. Honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
5. Vanilla extract (optional, for flavour)

Instructions

1. If you’re using fresh berries, make sure to wash, dry, and de-stem them.
2. Portion out the required amount of yoghurt.
3. Place the strawberries and yoghurt into a blender and blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Sample the smoothie and, if needed, add some lemon juice for a tangy boost or a bit of sweetener to enhance the flavour. Blend again to mix everything thoroughly.

Blueberry Popsicle

On scorching days, nothing cools like a frozen treat. Enter the Blueberry Popsicle, a hit with nursery-goers. Bursting with tangy blueberries, these homemade delights offer a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.

Mix fresh blueberries with honey, pour into moulds, and freeze. Voila! Refreshing popsicles packed with antioxidants and vitamins, perfect for cooling off and nourishing little ones.

• Plain Yoghurt: Choose between Greek or regular yogurt, preferably with whole milk for a creamier texture.
• Blueberries: Use either fresh or frozen blueberries, with wild blueberries being ideal for their bright colour and intense flavour.
• Baby Spinach: Add fresh or frozen spinach for an extra nutrient boost. Kale can be used as an alternative, or you can skip this ingredient.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten the mixture to your taste. This ingredient is optional based on how sweet you prefer the popsicles.

1. Gather all your ingredients and add them to a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the blended mixture into a reusable popsicle mould or small paper cups with popsicle sticks.
4. Freeze for 4–6 hours or overnight.
5. Enjoy your homemade popsicles!

Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon, a favourite among nursery children, is the quintessential summer fruit. A Watermelon Smoothie adds a refreshing twist to snack time. Its natural sweetness makes it a guilt-free delight for young ones.

• Watermelon: Any variety will work, though seedless is easiest if possible.
• Greek yogurt: You can use plain or vanilla.

Instructions

Freeze the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into chunks and freeze them until solid.

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather your frozen watermelon chunks and some Greek yogurt. You can also add a handful of fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing kick.

Blend Away: In a blender, combine the frozen watermelon chunks and Greek yogurt. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high until everything is smooth and creamy.

Sweeten to Taste: Taste the mixture and decide if it needs any extra sweetness. Depending on the ripeness of your watermelon, you might not need any additional sweetener. If desired, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to sweeten it up.

Serve and Enjoy: Pour the watermelon yogurt mixture into glasses or bowls, garnish with mint leaves if desired, and enjoy your deliciously refreshing treat!

Quint Education is an Early Years Consultancy agency operating since late 2014 that specialises in the early year’s sector. We work with day nurseries children centres, nursery schools, parents and support primary schools within the London, Essex, Middlesex, Surrey, and Hertfordshire area. Looking for a new role? Call us 0207 1188 994