It’s amazing how hungry a child can be in the summer. If your house is like mine, the pantry runs similar to a 24/7 vending machine. A child goes in, snacks upon snacks come out. It can be exhausting to keep up with the constant munchies and meals, so I put together a list of five easy Summer recipes that will keep you from losing your cool.
1. Easy Summer Lunch Recipe – Corn Salad
Don’t let the name fool you! This is my original throw-it-together problem solver that is far from a typical “salad”. Throw in chicken to make it a complete meal!
2 cans of corn
1 bottle of Ranch dressing
1 Ranch packet
1 taco seasoning packet
1 bag of Fritos
Drain corn and put the entire can into a bowl. Add both packets and mix well. Then add ¾ bottle of Ranch dressing (you may add more or less according to your preference); again, mix well. Then top it with more than half the bag of Fritos. Tip: The dressing will make the Fritos soggy so serve immediately and do not save.
2. Easy Summer Snack Recipe – Chillin’ Teddy
Your kids will think you’re the coolest mom around when you make this easy snack.
Blue Jell-O
Clear cups or containers
Handful of Teddy Graham Bears (honey)
Life Savers (gummy)
Drink umbrellas
Make the Jell-O and immediately pour into clear containers, either cups or small bowls. In the picture, you’ll see my “water” is choppy as I missed this important step. Let the Jell-O refrigerate in the containers for at least four hours. Once you are ready to serve, stuff your Teddy Bear into the Life Saver and set it on top of the Jell-O. Pop open a drink umbrella for extra flair!
3. Easy Summer Snack Recipe – Dirt and Worms
This is so tasty and easy; you’ll start making it for yourself. Of course, I don’t know anything about that, haha!
Package of chocolate Oreos
Package of gummy worms
Chocolate pudding
Clear cups or containers
Take two rows of Oreos and put them in a ziplock bag. Now, have some fun and crush those Oreos up! Alright, I will admit, I did this part and it was a great stress reliever however, for a much easier choice, throw them in a food processor to turn to “dirt” quickly. As you’ll notice in the picture, mine didn’t grind up all the way so they were just chunks of “dirt”. Once you have the Oreos ground up, then place one worm on the bottom of the clear cup or container. Then, pour some Oreos, sprinkle in another worm or two, then add the chocolate pudding, more worms, then top with more ground Oreos. I dare you not to eat that first one!
4. Easy Summer Slush Recipe – Slush
My husband grew up on this afternoon treat and says it a golden part of childhood. I never heard of such an easy treat but once our girls did, we had to try it, too!
Your favorite 2-liter flavor soda
1 Can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk
Stir together in a shallow bowl and let freeze overnight. In the morning, scrape it off the top and serve in bowls.
5. Easy Summer Dinner Recipe – Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Avocado Lime Sauce
Alright, it’s time to get a bit grown up. This amazing and tasty treat is from my friend, Amanda of Unrefined Junkie!
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
5-6 strips uncured bacon, cut into thirds
1/2 tsp sea salt
5-7 15-20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp garlic powder
Avocado Lime Sauce
Large avocado
1/4 white onion, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp coconut cream (optional)
3 tbsp lime juice
5 tbsp filtered water
1/2-1 tsp sea salt
For the Shrimp
1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Season the shrimp with the salt and garlic powder.
4. Wrap a strip of bacon around the shrimp and secure with a toothpick. I used my toothpicks like little kebabs!
5. Place the shrimp on the baking sheet, place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking.
6. Upon serving, drizzle with the Avocado Lime Sauce. Or, dip the shrimp in the sauce.
For the Avocado Lime Sauce
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
This should get you started for summer on some fun, easy recipes that are sure to make your kids think you’re cool and to keep your stress level low. Let me know how they turn out for you!
