Chill Out This Summer
by:  Tawra Kellam

The day moms dread all year long has arrived: the last day of school and the first day of summer vacation.  To help moms keep their cool by helping their kids chill out, here are some recipes from www.LivingOnADime.com.

Snow Cones

Crushed Ice

1 pkg. flavored drink mix (flavor of your choice)

Mix drink mix half strength according to directions. Chill 1 hour.  Just before serving, crush some ice. You can use either a snow cone maker or put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and pound with hammer. Pack ice chips into cups, pour chilled drink mix over the ice and serve.  You can also use fruit juice boiled down to half with food coloring added.   (Joyce's note:  I wouldn't add the food coloring because of the sensitivity some children have to it!)
 

Apple juice: green or red food coloring

Grape juice: purple food coloring

Frozen Grapes

Grapes (as many as you can get on sale)

Wash and separate the grapes. Drain and put on cookie sheet. Freeze.  Store in freezer bags. Give to kids as frozen treats. Note: Do not thaw; grapes become mushy when thawed.

Frozen Bananas

bananas

skewers (optional)

Cut bananas in half crosswise.  Insert skewer in the thicker end. Place bananas on a tray and place in freezer.  When frozen, move to a plastic bag and keep frozen until ready to use.

Toppings

yogurt
nuts, finely chopped

peanut butter    
applesauce

melted chocolate    
coconut

wheat germ

Allow bananas to thaw slightly.  Put toppings in small bowls.  Dip banana before each bite.  Eat plain or roll or dip into any of the toppings. Use the wet topping first so the others will stick.

Play Dough

2 cups flour     

1 cup salt    

1 tsp. cream of tartar    
2 Tbsp. oil

2 cups water

food coloring

Mix together all ingredients except food coloring in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture gathers on the spoon and forms dough (about 6 minutes).  Dump onto waxed paper until cool enough to handle and knead until pliable.  Store in a covered container or plastic bag. Add food coloring for different colors. Makes about 2 pounds.

Let them have some creative in the pool out back with these finger paint recipes.

Finger Paints

1 pkg. unflavored gelatin    

1/2 cup cold water    

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 cups water     

liquid dish detergent

food coloring

Dissolve gelatin in 1/2 cup water. Set aside. In a saucepan add cornstarch then slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups water until well blended over medium heat. Cook until it boils, becomes smooth, thickens and turns clear. Add gelatin mixture and stir well. Pour into containers and add a drop of liquid dish detergent. Add food coloring until you get the desired shade. Store covered in the refrigerator 4-6 weeks. 

Easy Finger Paints
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups water

Mix in saucepan and boil until thick. Then pour into a  jar and add food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Tawra Kellam is the author of Dining On A Dime Cookbook. For more free tips and recipes visit her web site at http://www.LivingOnADime.com/.  In 5 years, Tawra and her husband paid off $20,000 personal debt on an average income of $22,000 per year