Summer Food for Kids

It's time to think about summer food for kids.  Do you have kids?  Do you volunteer for kids activities?  Day camp? Vacation Bible School?  Whatever your connection with kids in the summer, food is sure to be a big part of the deal.  And they won't like the same thing two days in a row.  Think of things that are cool to eat and easy to fix and clean up.


Popsicles and Ice Cream bars are the all-time favorite for outdoor activities.  Inside, they get drippy and smear on the couch.  Have you tried Jello on a stick? Or Yogurt.  Use the same Popsicle containers you do for Koolaid popsicles.  They are more nutritious.  Or just freeze them in small paper cups and put the stick in when the yogurt or Jello has become stiff enough to hold them up.  Don't make them too big or they will fall of the stick before the kids finish eating.

Some days you may want to make special to relieve boredom.  Make colored popcorn.  Sprinkle colored sugar crystals on hot popcorn and stir or shake.  Serve in the yard under an umbrella with lemonade and play circus music.  Take pictures of your gymnast or trapeze artist to display later or send to grandparents. 


Sandwiches for summer are still a good choice.  Peanut butter with jelly or mashed bananas don't require cooking.  You can even make them ahead and let them chill in the fridge.  Put a teaspoon of lemon juice in the bananas to prevent the darkening.  The variety of chips is astounding.  Pick your favorite.  Make a heartier sandwich for supper with sliced ham or roast beef and avocado and sliced tomatoes, or make a buffet.  Everybody chooses what to put on his or her sandwich.

Summer is great, but it's better when you can keep cool and easy.