From cool treats to refreshing sips, here’s our favorites!

Summer is here and so are the days of seeking out cold treats to fill bellies and cool our bodies. With the warmer temperatures, there’s nothing better than a sweet frozen treat, juicy fruit dish, or refreshing beverage to get in the summer spirit.

At Cardinal Court Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living Ohio residents in our community enjoy a wonderful menu of snack and meal options that adhere to the MIND diet. Crafted by our incredible chefs, these snacks are available to your loved one around the clock. For those times that you want to treat your loved one to something off-site, or perhaps create a fun little snack for yourself, we’ve got you! Check out some of our favorite summer treats below!

Homemade Ice Pops

Summer heat can often only be cooled by one treat: ice pops! There’s truly nothing like an ice cold popsicle on a hot day. While store bought is easy, we love the fun and creativity that comes with making our own popsicles. Check with your loved one about their favorite fruits and flavors, and take a little time out of your day to create some popsicles of your own! Some of our favorite flavor combinations can be found within this recipe from Jessica Gavin, Culinary Scientist. We consider it an added bonus that making and enjoying popsicles is a great way to bond and create memories with your loved one.

Bubbly Citrus Mocktail

It’s no surprise that we love a good mocktail, and this Food Revolution Network orange citrus mocktail is perfect for a non-alcoholic nightcap on a hot summer night. The combination of cranberry juice and fresh orange juice is delightfully refreshing, and the tang of lime and bright bubbles of the sparkling water are truly a party with every sip. Not only is this hydrating, but it’s got the great benefit of being high in vitamin C, which is great for your immune system and skin!

Watermelon Granita

Simple and delicious, a good granita is a true crowd pleaser! Similar to a sorbet or Italian ice, this frozen treat has a smoother crystalline texture created by freezing, scraping the frozen mixture to a fluff and then freezing again. The result is a deliciously cold summer treat that anyone can enjoy. Relying mostly on the sweetness from the watermelon, we love this recipe from Food Network that limits the added sugar, and offers a hint of lemon. Consider adding in another flavor for a unique pairing like peach or ginger for a creative spin on this classic dessert!

Orange Blossom Gelato

For those looking to get super innovative in the kitchen, this beautiful gelato recipe does include some cooking, but we think the few minutes in front of the heat are absolutely worth it. Combining flavors like vanilla, orange blossom water, sweet cream, and amaretti cookies, this gelato is mouth-wateringly good. Not one for a kitchen amateur, we suggest only tackling this one if you have a fair amount of time and most importantly, patience, as the freezer time is between 12 and 24 hours! But we truly believe the wait is worth it!

While we are all about healthy living, we recognize that sometimes you just need a cool sweet treat on a hot day. We hope you try at least one of these delectable recipes this summer, and hopefully, bring us a taste!

For more information about our Cardinal Court Memory Care and Transitional Assisted Living community, please reach out to our friendly staff today!