Product Round-Up

Is anyone else as ready for warmer weather as we are? We love everything that comes with the summer season, especially yummy frozen treats! Today we’re bringing you a list of some of our favorite ice creams, popsicles, and other frozen snacks, along with some recipes that you and your little chefs can make at home! This list is definitely not just for kids – these sweet treats will satisfy anyone’s craving for something frozen and sweet on a hot day!

Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Here’s some of our favorite brands.

1. Tea-rrific Chamomile Ice Cream: Is your family adventurous when it comes to trying new foods and flavors? Check out this brand that makes tea-flavored ice cream! Their premium ice cream is made with fresh hormone-free cream, cage-free eggs, and organic cane sugar.
2. Jeni’s Ice Cream: Their wide variety of fun, yummy flavors is just half of why we love Jeni’s! They don’t use any artificial ingredients, flavorings, or dyes.
3. NadaMoo Ice Cream: Whether you’re on a dairy-free diet or just enjoy the taste, NadaMoo is the choice for you! Their creamy, coconut milk ice cream is organic, sustainable, and DELISH!

Popsicles

There’s nothing like a cold popsicle on a hot day. Check out the list below for some of our favorites!

1. Chloe’s popsicles: These fruit pops are made with just three ingredients! Yep, that’s right, THREE! And they come in a bunch of different, yummy flavors, so everyone in the family can find a favorite!
2. GoodPop popsicles: Another brand that uses real, organic, and whole ingredients to bring you a frozen treat that won’t have you raising an eyebrow at the ingredient list. They’ve got a bunch of fun flavors as well, some dairy-based, and others that aren’t!
3. DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies: These organic freezer pops will make you forget all about those other sugary frozen popsicles with hidden artificial ingredients.
4. So Delicious Coconut Milk Organic Fudge Bars: Got chocolate on your mind? This one’s for you! The rich flavor and hint of creamy coconut will get your taste buds jumping for joy!
5. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars: Their delicious creamy texture and taste will have you thinking this is ice cream you’re eating! Well, it’s not – it’s Greek yogurt! They’re got 5 grams of protein and made without any artificial sweeteners.

Other Frozen Treats

Here are some other frozen treats that we just had to include!

1. Pitaya Plus Frozen Dragon Fruit Cubes: Looking for some variety for your family’s smoothies? We love dragon fruit for this reason! PLUS, it’s rich in magnesium and antioxidants, high in fiber, and a good source of iron.
2. Chobani Champions (they’ve since been re-branded to Chobani Gimmies!): These fun yogurt tubes are perfect for little chefs’ hands! They’re chock-full of protein, Vitamin D, and calcium, and the ingredient list is short – which we love! And lastly, they’re great when frozen in the freezer overnight – it’s like a frozen ice cream tube!

Recipes

Looking for some new pasta recipes to add some variety to your family’s meals? These are some of our favorites!

1. Chef Cricket’s recipe for Coco-Mango Frozen Ice Pops will have you and your family thinking you’re on a tropical vacation! There’s only FOUR ingredients, and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to make this treat that’s perfect for summer.
2. Check out this blog post with a bunch of yummy popsicle recipes you can easily make at home with your kids. They only require a couple ingredients!
3. Cooking Light also has some easy popsicle recipes with some interesting flavors! Even one for mom and dad with champagne!

Ice Cream-Related Tips & Tricks

Click below for suggestions on our favorite ice cream scoop, fun ice cream-inspired baking kits, and tips for throwing your own ice cream social!

1. Midnight Scoop: Say hello to effortless ice cream scooping! Unlike other ice cream scoops, the Midnight Scoop has a curved handle, which is where all the magic happens. This allows you to keep your wrist straight and avoid straining it while trying to dig into your favorite flavor!
2. Handstand Kitchen Ice Cream Parlor Baking Collection: Take a look at Handstand Kitchen’s fun ice cream-shaped cookie cutters and molds!
3. Throw the Perfect Ice Cream Social: Check out this blog post for Chef Cricket’s tips to make your next ice cream party one for the books!

Do you have any favorite ice cream or popsicle brands, or any yummy recipes that you love? Let us know over on Instagram!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Is anyone else looking forward to warmer weather like we are? Get into the summer spirit with a refreshing, frozen treat from DeeBee’s Organics: Strawberry SuperFruit Freezies! These organic freezer pops will make you forget all about those other sugary frozen popsicles with hidden artificial ingredients. They’re low in sugar and are made without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. DeeBee’s Organics uses organic fruit juices to make SuperFruit Freezies, and did we mention they’re also shelf stable? Keep some in your pantry to leave some space in your freezer, and freeze them as needed. Each bag comes with three yummy flavors your whole family is sure to love…but strawberry is our favorite!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This dessert is like a lollipop mixed with ice cream!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

My family definitely loves their share of sugary treats. I try to limit it as much as I can, but it can be hard when my kids constantly ask for the same sugar-filled snacks. I love DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies because they’re low in sugar compared to other frozen popsicles, and they’re made from entirely organic ingredients! My kids love the taste and they each have their favorite flavor. I like that I can keep some on the shelf and freeze them as needed. Overall, a great snack for our family that even I love too!

Flavorful Features:

Each bag of DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies comes with three flavors:

• Strawberry
• Grape
• Tropical

The Icing on the Cake:

Organic, non-GMO ingredients; low in sugar; shelf stable – what more could you ask for? DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies are an all-around great choice to replace artificial popsicles and other frozen treats filled with refined sugar.

Time to Eat?!

Freezies are perfect for when your kids ask for a sugary dessert; satisfy their cravings but without any artificial ingredients!

Mix it Up!

Try mixing Freezies with yogurt in your blender for a fruity treat with a creamy twist!

www.deebeesorganics.com

www.facebook.com/DeeBeesOrganics

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Want to get your kid’s attention fast? Tell them they’re eating dragon…dragon FRUIT, that is! The Creative Kitchen loves using frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs from Pitaya Plus to add some colorful nutrients and delectable flavor into our smoothies! Did you know that dragon fruit is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, high in fiber, and a good source of iron? With Pitaya Plus, you’re guaranteed just one ingredient: 100% pure dragon fruit! Pitaya Plus is committed to using renewable energy in production, and every pack sold helps promote sustainable organic farming, create jobs in poverty-stricken areas and produce the healthiest dragon fruit possible with minimal processing.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This makes my smoothie pink!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Smoothies are a quick and easy way for me to get my kids important nutrients that are sometimes missed by other meals. I love the convenience of using Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs! I most often use them to make smoothies for the kids’ breakfasts, or as an after-school snack that keeps them full until dinner. Using natural, organic fruit is important to me, and Pitaya Plus gives me just that!

Flavorful Features:

Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit is sweet and tastes like an earthy watermelon, with a kiwi-like consistency. It is conveniently frozen in cubes and smoothie packs.

The Icing on the Cake:

Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs are made with 100% fruit (no added sugar!) and are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO verified, and USDA certified organic.

Time to Eat?!

Whip up a dragon fruit smoothie with Pitaya Plus to get energized before a workout, or let the kids cool down after school with a cold, sweet treat. Great for breakfast, snacks, and dessert!

Good to Go?

Smoothies are a great breakfast or snack to take with you on the go when you’re short on time during busy weekday mornings!

Mix it Up!

Instead of a smoothie, try freezing your favorite smoothie recipe in popsicle molds! Or just blend a Pitaya Plus smoothie pack and freeze in popsicle molds for a delicious dragon fruit treat!

https://www.pitayaplus.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pitayaplus/

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Frozen foods often get a bad rap. But Dr. Prager’s Sensible Food breaks that mold by using all-natural ingredients that you know and can enjoy. Here at The Creative Kitchen, we’ve tested and tried their Spinach Littles and have fallen in love with their natural vegetable flavor and moist texture. They are simple to make and easy to keep on hand for use at almost anytime!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

They come in fun shapes like dinosaur and stars that I can play with when I eat.

From the Eyes of a Parent: 

I love that these are made with ingredients I know and recognize without artificial colors, preservatives, or fillers. The Spinach Littles bake quickly and don’t compromise on flavor. They have a good texture and my children think they are like green chicken nuggets.

Flavorful Features:

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has a great line of kid’s products including:

• Broccoli Littles
• Sweet Potato Littles
• Spinach Littles
• Potato Littles
• Veggie Littles
• Lightly Breaded Fishies
• Potato Crusted Fishies (Gluten Free)

The Icing on the Cake:

The Spinach Littles are GMO free, certified Kosher, all natural, vegetarian, and cholesterol, trans-fat, and saturated fat free; On top of all that, they’re only 45 calories per a two-piece serving.

Time to Eat?!

Whip up a batch of Spinach Little for lunch or dinner, or pack them as a special lunchbox treat.

Mix It Up!

Dunk Spinach Littles into tomato soup for a burst of flavor. Or, chop up the littles and mix them into rice with egg, scallion, peas, and soy sauce.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Savor the bounty of fall veggies all year round without losing nutrients, with these tips on freezing veggies from our friends at Cooking Light! 

1. Pick and Cut Your Produce

Freezing whole vegetables can harm their texture. This happens when ice crystals form, rupturing cell walls. The faster water freezes, the smaller the crystals it forms, so small or thin vegetables—peas, corn kernels, green beans—freeze best. Cutting larger vegetables into smaller, uniform shapes (about ½ inch or less) can speed the freezing process and minimize texture loss, as can freezing them in a single layer on a wide baking sheet or large plate.

2. Blanch the Vegetables

Before freezing, blanch the vegetables in boiling water. This helps maintain bright color and fresh flavor by deactivating enzymes that would cause them to turn drab during thawing. Plunge vegetables into boiling salted water for a few moments.

3. Spread Vegetables Into a Single Layer

Spread the blanched veggies on a rimmed baking sheet, and place in the freezer until frozen.

4. Transfer to Freezer Bags

Once frozen, transfer to zip-top freezer bags with the air pressed out before sealing. Even freezer bags allow some transfer of gases, which can lead to freezer burn, so for storage longer than two months, it’s best to double-bag. Make sure to label the bags with the packing date.

Bonus for following all these steps: Small, blanched frozen veggies thaw in just a few moments under warm running water directly in their bags.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Mmmmm popsicles! These frozen fruity treats from our friends at iVillage will disappear in the blink of an eye. Little chefs can help make these yummy, healthful treats and then enjoy them together afterwards! By making your own rather than purchasing store-bought popsicles, you can give your family with the sweet frozen treats they love, but this time filled with good for you ingredients!

Sweet and Tangy

Kids and adults will love the mild tartness of these sophisticated Cherry Lime Ice Pops, made with just water, sugar, and lime juice.

Click here for the recipe!

Marvelous Melon

If you want something different than your usual berry-flavored treats, check out this recipe! Mix water, sugar, mint leaves, lime zest and cantaloupe (and skip the small amount of rum in the recipe) to make these delicious Cantaloupe Popsicles totally kid-friendly.

Click here for the recipe!

Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon is always juicy and refreshing, but kick up the cool-treat factor a notch by freezing it into pops! Blend six cups of watermelon pieces (without rinds and seeds, of course) with one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice and one tablespoon freshly grated lime zest. Pour into Dixie Cups or popsicle molds and enjoy–preferably on the back porch.

Strawberry Overflow

Getting Kids to eat fresh summer strawberries isn’t usually hard (it’s not kale, after all), but we can practically guarantee a way to get those vitamin-packed goodies consumed: Make strawberry popsicles! Remove the hulls from a pint of strawberries and throw them in the blender. Add enough sugar-free juice to cover the berries, blend for 20 to 30 seconds and pour into popsicle molds. Let them harden overnight in the freezer; watch them disappear the next day.

Click here for the recipe!

Peachy Keen

These peaches-and-creme popsicles are a healthier spin on those old orange Push-Ups. Blend peaches, water, yogurt, lime juice, honey and bananas all together and pour into cups, then stick them in the freezer. Before the liquid solidifies completely, place the popsicle sticks through the top. Freeze again overnight and enjoy the drip-on-your-chin goodness.

Click here for the recipe!

Blueberry Bliss

Want to keep things simple in the kitchen? This sweet treat only calls for three ingredients (seriously!). Buy a can of blueberries, drain and save the juice, then blend the berries with one tablespoon of the juice. For the meat of your pop, use two cups of lemon yogurt and whisk in 1/2 a cup of milk. Alternate between blueberry and yogurt mixture while spooning into your molds and finish your blueberry pops by spooning one tablespoon of the remaining blueberry juice onto each pop and swirling with a knife. Yum!

Click here for the recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.