Beat the heat this summer with these incredibly tasty and kid-friendly pops that make for some great bonding time.
Though you probably know The Nap Time Show as the #1 destination for helping teach children healthy sleep habits, we’re also focused on a variety of ways to facilitate more spaces for rest and play within families. That’s where “Calm with a Crunch” comes in! This series from our newsletter shares delicious-family friendly recipes that feature a star ingredient known to calm the nervous system.
Today, we're putting the spotlight on a fruit that's not only sweet and delicious but also packs a punch in the relaxation department: the cantaloupe.
Cantaloupes, those round and beautifully netted fruits, thrive under the sun in warm climates. They're a summer favorite, originating from regions that know a thing or two about heat. This means that every bite of cantaloupe is like a sip of sunshine, no matter where you are. The flavor profile of cantaloupe is a delightful dance between sweet and refreshing, making it a versatile fruit that's as good in a salad as it is in a dessert or a refreshing drink.
But wait, there's more! Cantaloupe is not just tasty; it's also incredibly good for you. Physically, it's loaded with vitamins and nutrients essential for keeping your body happy and healthy. Mentally, cantaloupe is a bit of a superhero. Cantaloupe is known for being a great natural anxiety reliever. Due to its high potassium content, this fruit can help normalize the heartbeat as well as stimulate the body to take in more oxygen to the brain. In a world that's always on the go, calming the mind and body is crucial to resting better and getting that sweet, rejuvenating sleep we all dream about.
Now, let's get to the fun part—a delicious, kid-friendly recipe featuring our star ingredient, cantaloupe! We're making Cantaloupe Fruit Pops! This recipe is not only fun to make but also a hit with the kids, and a great way to spend some quality time together in the kitchen.
Cantaloupe Fruit Pops Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups cantaloupe, cubed
1 cup strawberries, halved
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
Popsicle sticks and molds
2 mint leaves (optional)
Steps for kiddos to do:
Help wash the fruits.
Place the cantaloupe cubes into the blender.
Steps for grown-ups to do:
Blend the cantaloupe, strawberries, banana, and orange juice until smooth.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
TEAMWORK TIME! Steps to do together:
Insert popsicle sticks into the molds.
Freeze for about 4 hours or until solid.
Enjoy your Cantaloupe Fruit Pops together!
Cooking together isn't just about making something delicious—it's about creating memories, learning, and bonding. These moments are precious and remind us that it's the simple things in life that bring the most joy.
How Do You Pick the Perfect Cantaloupe?
Smelling the blossom end
Checking for a creamy, golden color
Tapping and listening for a hollow sound
I just guess and hope for the best!
If you loved this cantaloupe fruit pops recipe and are eager for more ways to incorporate calming and nutritious ingredients into your family's diet, subscribe to The Nap Time Show's newsletter, The Dream Weaver Weekly. Each newsletter is a treasure trove of #majorkeys, including exclusive calming recipes, plus tips for better sleep and relaxation.