Summer Snacking

Popsicles are a summer treat. But are they good fuel for playing outside? Here are some healthy snack ideas from cookbook author Katie Kimball.

1. Make a System. A snack schedule makes everyone happier. Create one with your family. Then you won’t wonder when your next snack will be.

2. Read food labels. Is high-fructose corn syrup a top ingredient? If so, save that snack for a special time.

3. Think: “satisfying.” A snack should take the edge off your hunger. Choose snacks that will not make you too full.

4. Say yes to protein and fat. Try a cheese stick with grapes. Or have nut or seed butter with an apple or toast.

5. Try new recipes. Cooking is a fun summer activity. Scroll down to find my ranch-dip recipe.

Mrs. Kimball's Ranch Dip

Ingredients

• 1 cup of sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayo

• ½ teaspoon of dried parsley

• ¼ teaspoon of dried dill weed

• ¼ teaspoon of dried chives

• ½ teaspoon of onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar milk (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose the base (sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayo). You can mix more than one together.

2. Measure the base into a glass jar with a lid.

3. Measure all the dry ingredients into the jar. If you don’t have one of the dried herbs, use more of another green herb. If you don’t have the onion or garlic, use more of the other.

4. Measure 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the jar.

5. Mix the ingredients with a spoon until everything looks the same.

6. Taste the dip on a veggie stick. If you’d like it more tangy, add 1 or 2 more teaspoons of vinegar.

7. To make a dressing that pours, add milk. Add it a little at a time until you like the texture.

8. Store in the refrigerator. Serve with raw veggies or salad.

Note: The flavor will get a little stronger after a few hours. This will happen as the herbs soak into the base. You can always add a bit more herbs if you’d like more flavor.

Recipe from Kids Cook Real Food, where Katie Kimball and kids have taught more than 50,000 families how to safely cut veggies!