Freeze Frame: Healthy Frozen Treats - The Bend Magazine

Freeze Frame: Healthy Frozen Treats

Chill out during the dog days with these recipes for housemade snowcone syrup and fro-yo.

Photography by Rachel Benavides

As temperatures soar in August, there’s nothing quite like a frozen treat to help you cool down. Frozen yogurt, a creamy and tangy alternative to ice cream, becomes even more irresistible when blended with seasonal fruits like berries, mangoes or peaches. Its lighter texture and probiotic benefits make it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier indulgence during hot summer days.

Snow cones are another seasonal favorite, especially when topped with syrup made from real fruit. Instead of those super-sweet artificial flavors, try blending up some berries or pineapple with a touch of honey or lemon juice for a more natural taste. You get that bright, juicy flavor and all the color; no fake stuff needed.

Mixing up frozen yogurt and fruity snow cones at a summer get-together? Now that’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love them, and adults won’t say no either. When it’s blazing outside, these icy snacks are a tasty way to chill out.


All-Natural Snow Cone Syrup

Makes 4 snow cones

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fruit (berries, mangoes, apples, watermelons, pineapples, oranges, guavas, papayas)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and blend with an immersion blender. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and transfer to a squeeze bottle. Store in the refrigerator until cooled. Blend 2 cups of ice in a blender until shaved. Pour syrup over ice and enjoy.


Frozen Yogurt

Makes 1 quart

Prep time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk yogurt or plant-based yogurt
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Ice
  • Rock salt

Directions:

Whisk ingredients in a metal bowl until smooth. Pour into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions.  Add in toppings like nuts, fruit, chocolate chips or syrup. Store in the freezer in a covered container.

Want more recipes to try this summer? Check out Hot Days Hotter Flavors.