Many of us are more active during the summer as we make the most of the warmer temperatures and head to the beach, take day trips to the park and potter in our gardens. Snacking is often a part of such days as we look for something quick to refuel ourselves to fill the gap between meals but reaching for something unhealthy isn’t always the best answer. So we’re pulling together some of our favourite healthy snack choices to help you choose tasty yet nutritious treats this summer.
Vegetable Crisps
Fancy a healthy twist on a very moreish snack we all love? Then by making your own crisps you can control the amount and type of oil and salt you use. Why not try making delicious sweet potato, beetroot or parsnip crisps. For these we recommend our mandoline to speed up the prep time and you’ll be enjoying them before you know it!
What you’ll need to make vegetable crisps
Healthy Fruit Lollies
Great for a colourful and fun way to help get in your 5-a-day, fruit lollies are simple to make and truly refreshing. All you need to do is chop up some of your favourite fruits and place into a lolly mould before topping with fruit juices or your favourite yoghurt. Pop them into the freezer to set and when they’re ready to eat quickly dip the lolly mould into warm water to help release your lollies.
For an adult take on the summertime classic, why not try making your favourite cocktail into a lolly? Gin and Tonic and Pimm’s are popular choices, just remember that alcohol doesn’t freeze so don’t be tempted to put in more than your recipe calls for or your ice lollies won’t set.
What you’ll need to make ice lollies
Homemade Hummus
Hummus (or houmous as it is sometimes spelt in the UK) is the perfect accompaniment to your vegetable crisps and can be tailored to your personal taste. Spice it up with some sweet chilli and paprika, blend in some red peppers or even cool things down with the addition of lemon and coriander. Whatever you choose it is a healthy and very delicious dip.
You can make hummus in a food processor or blender, but we prefer to make ours the traditional way with a pestle and mortar as not only is it more authentic but it gives you more control over the consistency of your dip.
What you’ll need to make hummus
Flavoured Popcorn
When not coated with butter and sugar, popcorn is a healthy snack choice that is a great alternative to crisps. It can also be flavoured with a whole host of ingredients – how about pesto, chilli cheese or BBQ?
Great if you’re hosting an al fresco movie night, as a pre-dinner nibble or for a your little one’s lunchbox, we love hearing those kernels pop. Our Microwave Popcorn Maker is a convenient way to make your popcorn in a hurry – once there are only pops every 2-3 seconds, you’re ready to go!
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