3 Fun summer recipes kids can make

Kids can have fun in the kitchen with these easy and delicious summer recipes.

Frozen banana pops

Serves 6 small pops

This is a great recipe if you have a hot weekend coming up. Instead of ice-cream, let them enjoy a homemade frozen banana pop.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (a little firmer the better)
• 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
• Sprinkles (optional)
• 6 lollipop sticks or paddle pop (ice-cream) sticks

Directions:

1. Peel and cut the bananas into three pieces each so that you have six serves. Let the kids pierce each piece of banana with a lollipop stick. Set aside.
2. Place the dark chocolate in a bowl and melt in the microwave at 15–20 second intervals, stirring between each time until it is smooth and runny. This is a job best for adults.
3. Let the chocolate cool so that it is a little thicker and not too hot to handle. Then you have two ways the kids can coat the banana pops: Dip in the chocolate or hold the banana pops over a bowl and spoon chocolate over the top. Once coated, tap the sticks on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Roll in the sprinkles and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Put the pops in the freezer for at least two hours or until frozen.

Apple jelly cups

Serves 4–6

Although super easy, apple jelly cups look fantastic in special glasses and you could ask the kids to make this as dessert for a special family dinner or parties.

Ingredients:

• Jelly crystals (preferred flavour)
• Apples (or any other fruit you like e.g. oranges)

Directions:

1. The first job is for the adult. Make the jelly as per packet instructions in a heat-proof pouring jug. Instead of using straight away, sit the jelly liquid aside and let it cool right down to room temperature.
2. In the meantime, help the kids cut the fruit into small 1-centimetre cubes. Sprinkle the fruit into your jelly moulds, cups or glasses. Put them on a baking tray so that it is easy to put in the fridge.
3. Once cooled, let the kids pour the jelly into each mould or glass, filling almost to the top.
4. Place in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) until set and ready to eat.

Traffic light fruit pops

A fun concept to get the kids to eat more fruit.

Ingredients:

• Honeydew melon (green)
• Rockmelon (orange)
• Cherries (red — could also use watermelon)
• A melon baller
• Lollipop sticks

Directions:

1. Arm each kid with a melon baller and let them scoop an equal number of balls from each melon.
2. Pierce one round of honeydew melon, followed by a ball of rockmelon and then top with a cherry (you may choose to de-seed these first). Note: Cherries go on top to avoid them bruising or losing too much liquid.

More fun things to do with kids

Playdough recipe and ideas
Ways to boost your child’s creativity
Books to read with your kids