Name: Shamrock Shake
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream; 1/2 tsp mint extract; 4-5 drops green food coloring; whipped cream (optional); chocolate sauce (optional)

50+ Cool Summer Snacks

June 12, 2018 by Danielle 7 Comments

School’s out for the summer – excuse me while I feel a bit crazy with both excitement AND worry! I’m looking forward to more time with them, less rushed mornings, creating our OWN schedules, and plenty of family adventures. I’m also a bit nervous about the ‘I’m bored’ phrase that I know will occur far too often. That, along with ‘I’m hungry’, of course! Luckily we’ve got plenty of delicious recipes for kids with these 50+ Cool Summer Snacks!

Whether you’re a fan of popsicles or ice cream, slushies or lemonade, we’ve got plenty of great summer treat recipes for you to try out! They’re also really ‘cool’, so your kids will happily enjoy them 🙂

Cool Summer Snacks

Rainbow Popsicles from The First Year Blog

Banana Split Ice Cream Cake Loaf from Life, Love and Sugar

Frosty S’mores Brownie Bars from Busy Mom’s Helper

DIY Gogurts from Art From My Table

Strawberry Julius from Busy Mom’s Helper

Kansas City Dirt Cake from Lil’ Luna

Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake from Cook Nourish Bliss

No Churn Brownie Bite Ice Cream from Juggling Act Mama

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie via Busy Mom’s Helper

Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles from The Busy Baker

No Churn Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Jello Shaved Ice from Tips From A Typical Mom

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade with Honey from Art From My Table

Popsicle Brownies from Somewhat Simple

Strawberry Mango Popsicles from Busy Mom’s Helper

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Banana Bites from Not Enough Cinnamon

Healthy Orange Julius from Busy Mom’s Helper

Strawberry Lemonade Bars from The Baker Upstairs

Melon Ice Cubes from No Biggie

Homemade Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles from Busy Mom’s Helper

Cotton Candy Ice Cream from Home and Plate

Lava Flow Popsicles by One Lovely Life

Individual Frozen Key Lime Pies from This Silly Girl’s Life

Watermelon Pudding Pops from Clean and Scentsible

Chocolate Chip Mint Greek Yogurt Pops from Country Cleaver

Fruit Pizza from Bakers Royale

Two-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites from The Baker Mama

Fruit Infused Water from I Heart Naptime

Pomegranate Coconut Popsicles from My Fussy Eater

Milk & Cereal Breakfast Popsicles from In Katrina’s Kitchen

Choco-Taco from Love Bakes Good Cakes

Watermelon Popsicles from Cooking Classy

Easy Frozen Yogurt Bites from Eating on a Dime

4-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet from Cincy Shopper

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Fresh Watermelon Cake from Sprinkle Bakes

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail from Art From My Table

Coconut Creme Ice Pops from Simply Stacie

Sand Pudding Cups from Food Fun Family

Watermelon Lemonade from The Recipe Critic

Berry Pomegranate Smoothie Pops from Juggling Act Mama

Banana Split Bites from Our Family of Seven

Watermelon Coconut Ice Cream from Baking Ginger

Blueberry Lemonade from Art From My Table

7 Insanely Delicious Ice Cream Sundaes via Buzzfeed

Cake Batter Popsicles from Just Add Sprinkles

No Bake Ice Cream Cupcakes from Juggling Act Mama

Frozen Hot Chocolate from One She Two She

Watermelon Pie from Make and Takes

Pomegranate Ice Cream from Art From My Table

Mango Oatmeal Smoothie

August 24, 2017 by Danielle Leave a Comment

I’m a huge lover of fruit recipes, so when a delicious smoothie comes about, I have to share it with y’all! This Mango Oatmeal Smoothie would make a perfect breakfast drink, or enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon snack. Whenever you choose to give it a try, I’m sure you’ll love this healthy recipe that’s super tasty!

It doesn’t take many ingredients, and my favorite thing about smoothies is how quick and simple they are to whip up. Plus fewer dishes since you just use a blender – talk about a win-win! The oatmeal gives a great texture to this already creamy treat, plus some added health benefits which I could definitely use 🙂

I’m thinking of trying it with strawberries instead of the mango next time, since they’re my absolute favorite fruit – although mango is also fabulous and delish!

Ingredients

2 cups Frozen or fresh Mangos (if using fresh mangoes, chop it up and freeze for few hours)
½ cup Old Fashioned Oats
½ cup Greek Yogurt
2 tablespoon Honey/maple Syrup
½ cup Milk (or more to desired consistency)

Instructions

Place the oats in the blender and blend it at high speed ’till it turns into a powder.
Add the frozen mango chunks, yogurt, honey and mill and blend it on high ’till smooth.
Add a splash of milk, if it’s too thick. Also taste and add more honey if required.
Enjoy!

Note: Though the oats were made into a powder, there still will be a bit of texture – but it will be perfectly drinkable with a straw.

What’s your favorite flavor fruit smoothie?

Banana Berry Chia Smoothie

March 21, 2017 by Danielle

Hey busy moms! Do you often skip breakfast because you’re so busy getting kids out the door in the morning that you simply forget to eat? Well today, I’m sharing this yummy Banana Berry Chia Smoothie to help you fill the gap while you’re on the run!

This is a fantastic recipe for sneaking fruit into your kid’s diet as well. It’s chock full of yummy bananas, strawberries and blueberries and it’s got a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber brought to you by the chia seeds. And they’ll never know it’s not just a yummy treat. 😉 I’m a sneaky mama, I admit it.

In all honesty though, this is an amazing smoothie as a snack or breakfast in the car for you. Go ahead, give it a try!

Note: serves 2

Ingredients

2 bananas (preferably frozen)
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons chia seeds, plus more for topping
1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place all ingredients into a blender.
Blend until smooth. Add more liquid if needed.

Have you ever added chia seeds to your smoothies?

Slow Cooker Sparkling Apple Cider

March 16, 2017 by Danielle

Pretty sure one of the best things about a cold day, is a nice hot cup of cocoa or cider. There’s just nothing like coming in from outside and warming up with my hands around a warm mug. Our kids really enjoy cocoa (but really, who doesn’t love hot chocolate?) and we do too, but sometimes I like to mix it up with an easy Slow Cooker Sparkling Apple Cider.

This one is super simple. The most difficult part might be cutting up the apples, which I’m sure you can handle 🙂

One Pot Cinnamon Sparkling Apple Cider

Ingredients:

1 12 Ounce Can Frozen Apple Juice Concentrate
1 Cinnamon Stick
½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Cup Sparkling Water
12 Ounces of Water
One Small Apple

Directions:

In a sauce pan bring all of the ingredients except sparkling water to simmer on medium heat.
Add water.
Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat.
Slice and chop apple into bite size pieces.
Add apples to cider.
Add sparkling water.
Serve hot.

Do you like apple cider on a cold winter day?

Green Cherry Punch

March 5, 2017 by Danielle

While it’s true that my family doesn’t drink alcohol, that doesn’t mean that we don’t love a fun beverage for special occasions – and whatever your reasons for not drinking, it’s true that you can still enjoy something special during a celebration! This Green Cherry Punch definitely fits the bill for a family friendly beverage for St. Patrick’s Day. And the best part? It’s made with easy, inexpensive items you can find in your grocery store. We mamas love simple, right?

This would also be super fun for a class party, maybe a Ghostbuster’s themed birthday (or Ninja Turtles?), or even at Christmas. I’d just swap out the green cherries for red!

Green Cherry Punch

Ingredients

12 Ounce Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
3 Cups Lemon Lime Soda
10 Green Candied Cherries
Green Marshmallows (optional)
Green Food Coloring

Directions

Mix frozen concentrate according to directions.
Add 3 cups of lemon lime soda.
Two drop of green food coloring.
Add 10 green candied cherries to punch.
Top with a few green marshmallows (optional)
Mix.
Chill two hours.

What’s your favorite family friendly punch recipe?

20 Hot Chocolate Recipes that are Perfect for Winter

January 21, 2017 by Danielle

It’s no secret that we love hot chocolate around here. There’s just nothing better than coming in after a long, cold day of work, school or play and enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate with some mini marshmallows! The kids love it, we love it. It just can’t be beat and I know you probably agree. Today, I thought I’d share with you 20 Hot Chocolate Recipes that are Perfect for Winter. There’s a little something for everyone, from traditional to a fancy recipe or two. So grab your favorite mug and let’s get started!

Which hot chocolate recipe is your favorite? I love a bit of mint in mine!

Strawberry Cotton Candy Mocktail

January 16, 2017 by Danielle

There’s no shortage of tasty holiday drinks, but sometimes it can be frustrating finding a really good one that’s non-alcoholic. Luckily, this delicious Valentine’s Day drink is not only easy to make, but kid-friendly for those class parties. You can whip up this Strawberry Cotton Candy Mocktail in a jiff, then enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness for your holiday with no guilt.

One of my favorite things about drink recipes is that they often don’t take many ingredients – and this Valentine’s Day Mocktail only requires three! Yup, just a few ingredients for a delicious, sweet holiday drink that you can let your kids enjoy, or yourself – because, why not?

Ingredients

16 Ounces Strawberry Soda
1 Teaspoon of Strawberry Syrup
1-2 Handfuls Cotton Candy

Note: makes 1 16-oz serving

Directions

Pour strawberry syrup into glass.
Place 1/2 – 1 handful of cotton candy in glass.
Add 16 ounces of strawberry soda. Stir.
Add remaining cotton candy to on top of glass to garnish.

Peppermint White Chocolate Hot Cocoa

December 17, 2016 by Danielle

It’s freezing outside. Well, not in the ‘technical’ sense of temperature, but for Texas it’s pretty darn close! Plus it’s suppose to actually get into freezing in the next week or so. Needless to say, I’ve pulled out my super snuggly, thick blanket and am all set for this delicious Peppermint White Chocolate Hot Cocoa.

This peppermint hot cocoa is creamy, and full of delicious chocolate flavor mingled with the minty goodness. I love it!

I don’t know about you, but winter just isn’t the same without enjoying a nice, hot cup of peppermint hot cocoa! It’s right up there on my ‘must do during the holidays’ list, next to ‘snuggle by the fire and lit up Christmas tree’. I have my priorities 🙂

Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 cups of Whole Milk (or half and half if you’re feeling indulgent)
8 oz. good quality White Chocolate, chopped into small pieces or 1 cup of White Chocolate Chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped Cream to garnish (optional)
Crushed Peppermint Candies to garnish (optional)

Directions

Stir the milk and chopped white chocolate together in a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the chocolate is melted, stirring constantly or the chocolate might burn at the bottom.
Once simmering and melted, remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
Serve warm, with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.

Now you can warm up, despite the frigid weather outside, with this delicious cup of peppermint hot chocolate. Just grab a good book, a fluffy blanket and you’re all set for a wonderful evening of YOU time!

Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie

November 1, 2016 by Danielle

Remember how Flash loves Pumpkin? Well, technically speaking I do, too, but I always blame my pumpkin stuff on him 🙂 Anywho – we wanted something new for breakfast the other day, and although I normally would have LOVED to whip up some muffins, the kids wanted a ‘smoothie’. Flash was in a pumpkin mood, so we tried something totally different than what we normally do – Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie – and it turned out FABULOUS! Originally shared October 2nd, 2013

This is seriously so yummy, pretty darn healthy, and definitely hits a spot for those pumpkin lovers!

Ingredients
1 cup canned Pumpkin (or fresh pumpkin puree, if you’d rather)
1 Banana
1/2 cup Applesauce
1/2 cup Milk
2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
5 Tbsp. Honey
2 cups Ice (more if you want a thicker smoothie)
Cinnamon for sprinkling, if desired
Whipped topping, if desired

Directions
Blend all of the ingredients (except Cinnamon and Whipped Topping) in a blender until smooth.

Divide into glasses – about 2 large glasses, or more smaller ones (for the kids)

Put some Whipped Topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, if desired. Enjoy!!!

If you follow me on Instagram, I posted a photo of Flash enjoying this smoothie two weeks ago 😀

Check out these other Pumpkin-inspired favorites!

Pumpkin Better Than Disneyland Pie

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake

Pumpkin Choco-Chip Muffins

Easiest Iced Coffee

May 15, 2016 by Chellie Schmitz

As the weather turns warmer, many people change out a hot cup of joe for a frosty version. Is this you? Today I’m sharing the Easiest Iced Coffee recipe. Make up a batch of this and enjoy it all week long!

Easiest Iced Coffee

Whether you drink your coffee in the morning, or need an afternoon pick me up, you won’t be disappointed in this delicious beverage.

This is for all my fellow coffee ~~addicts~~ lovers. I’m still all about enjoying that fancy coffee from your local coffee house, but realistically, I can’t quite get out twice a day for that! Besides, that can add up pretty quickly! So, that’s why I decided to start brewing it at home.

I really do have a passion for taking recipes that are from restaurants and making a just as delicious and better for you option at home. While I don’t think coffee is bad for you–as a matter of fact the experts say there are lots of benefits–I still like to try my hand at making the perfect cup of joe. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get going on this easiest iced coffee so we can have a chat over it. 😉

What you need~

coffee beans
water
ice
cream & sugar (optional)

What to do~

Brew the coffee
Chill
Drink!

See isn’t that easy? MMM I can just smell that coffee brewing!

Notes~

If you don’t have a coffee grinder, you can just use coffee grounds. We are kind of coffee snobs at our house, so we like to grind our own beans.
If you like your coffee sweetened, add the sugar before you chill it so it melts.
To flavor the coffee add some vanilla extract or ground cinnamon to the grounds before brewing.
Make adjustments to how strong you like your coffee. I suggest brewing double strength so the ice doesn’t water it down, but if that’s too strong for you, maybe brew 1 1/2 strength.
All coffee pots are different sizes so there is not a specific measurement for how many coffee beans to use, and preferences are different, but you should be able to easily figure it out.

I can totally see myself poolside, soaking up the sun, book in hand, sipping on my fabulous iced coffee. Can you picture it? 🙂 Who’s with me?

Enjoy! I’ll see you at the pool! 🙂

Easiest Iced Coffee

Ingredients

coffee beans ground (for 2 pots of coffee)
water
ice
cream and sugar optional

Instructions

Brew coffee at double strength. The ice dilutes it, so this way it won't taste watered down.
Let the coffee cool to room temperature.
Place the coffee in a carafe or pitcher and place in the fridge to chill.
Fill glasses all the way with ice.
Pour coffee and add cream & sugar if desired. Enjoy!

Looking for more frosty beverages?

Strawberry Lemonade

Blueberry Lemonade

Strawberry Mojito Mocktail

Strawberry Julius

April 4, 2016 by Danielle

This amazing & creamy Strawberry Julius recipe was originally shared in May 2013. I’m resharing because it’s not only delicious and easy to make, but the perfect summertime drink recipe!

Strawberry Julius / recipe by BusyMomsHelper.com / delicious and creamy summer drink

In the mall where I grew up there was an Orange Julius. It isn’t there now, but I remember that whenever we’d go there and hang out during high school (there wasn’t much else to do in Cache Valley, so wondering the mall was the ‘cool’ thing) we would stop by and get one. My favorite was the Strawberry Julius. Not a huge fan of orange, but strawberries are WONDERFUL! So this drink was just so refreshing, flavorful and creamy. I’ve been craving one for awhile, since we went on a LONG drive to Disneyland in March. One of the places we stopped for lunch had an Orange Julius place there, and it was a great trip down memory lane to get a Strawberry Julius. Then I decided that I should make it myself! If I’d realized how simple it was, I would’ve been making them for quite awhile!

Ingredients

1 cup Water

1/2 cup Milk

1 cup Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 lb. Strawberries, stems cut off

1 tray Ice

Directions

Mix all of the ingredients in the blender until smooth. Enjoy!!!

Other great drink recipes…

10 Non-Alcoholic Drinks by Nikki Christiansen for Busy Mom's Helper

The Ultimate Smoothie Recipe Round Up / by www.BusyMomsHelper.com #smoothie #drink #fruit #veggie

Shamrock Shake

February 27, 2016 by Chellie Schmitz

Celebrate St. Patricks Day with a delicious Shamrock Shake!

Shamrock Shake

It’s that time of year again. Time for green food, green beer (for some) and green shakes! I read somewhere that the McDonalds Shamrock Shake has 57 ingredients! What?! It’s a shake, that seems like a lot! (that seems like a lot for any recipe) Don’t get me wrong, I love McDonalds just as much as the next person. I’m not really a fan of any fast food, but occasionally, it happens. Sometimes convenience wins. And nothing against their Shamrock Shake, it tastes great. But this one only has a few ingredients, and personally, I always vote for home made.

We’re not Irish, however, we are a family that loves to celebrate! St. Patricks day is the perfect excuse for a vanilla-y, minty, chocalate-y treat! YUM! Plus, bonus… It’s so easy to make!! Just five ingredients if you count the garnish, the shake itself just three. Oh I love easy!

Since my kids were quite young, we’ve made it a tradition to have a shamrock shake on St. Patricks day. They always look forward to it. I’m a believer in ‘everything in moderation’, so while this isn’t healthy, per se, it is a treat that is simple, easy and festive.

One thing I like to do when we are having treats, is make sure we make up the healthy in another area. So we’ll make sure we have plenty of nutrition in our dinner or lunch that day. Shepherd’s Pie is one of our favorite Irish-type meals. I love it because it’s all-inclusive. You got your meat and veggies and starch all in one dish. And, you can make it ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready. Serve it with some fruit and dinner. is. done.

And don’t think this recipe is just for the kids… grown ups will love it too!

Shamrock Shake

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 tsp mint extract
4-5 drops green food coloring
whipped cream optional
chocolate sauce optional

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce if desired.

Do you have any St. Patricks Day traditions? What are your favorite Irish meals?

If dessert in a cup speaks your language, check out these too!

Mocha Nut Steamer

Peppermint Mocha Steamer