WITH heatwaves aplenty and the school summer holidays almost upon us, the mums out there need a plan.
Mother of two and professional cook Lou Robbie – AKA @LittleLouCooks – has come to the rescue with four tasty and nutritious smoothie recipes to keep energy levels up and ensure the little ones are well hydrated.
Not only that, but they can also be turned into ice lollies everyone will love – just pop the mix into silicone lolly moulds and freeze overnight.
These are just a snapshot of Lou’s latest cookbook, Make & Freeze (Michael Joseph), which comes out on July 17.
In it, you’ll also find 100 meal-prep recipes to help make family life easier.
From batch breakfast bars to a freezer-friendly beef stroganoff cottage pie, she’s got you covered!
Strawberry Dream
Makes: 2 smoothies or 4 lollies
“My son always asks for a strawberry smoothie – and I can whip this one up in a couple of minutes. Sometimes, instead of milk, I add some high-protein yoghurt or kefir for added gut-friendly cultures.”
Ingredients:
*150g frozen strawberries
*1 banana, peeled
*200ml milk
*1tsp honey
*1/2tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Method:
Blend all of the ingredients together and serve, or pour into silicone lolly moulds and freeze overnight.
Blueberry Delight
Makes: 2 smoothies or 4 lollies
“Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and help to protect the body’s cells. This makes a nice, thick smoothie, great for a busy school morning.”
Ingredients:
*100g frozen blueberries
*1 small apple, peeled and sliced, or 1 banana, peeled
*100ml yoghurt
*100ml milk
*1tsp chia seeds
*1tbsp maple syrup
*1/2tsp vanilla extract
Method:
Blend all of the ingredients together and serve, or pour into silicone lolly moulds and freeze overnight.
Totally Tropical
Makes: 2 smoothies or 4 lollies
“This is my daughter’s favourite smoothie – she absolutely loves pineapple! It’s delicious any time, but especially on a hot summer’s day.”
Ingredients:
*100g frozen pineapple chunks
*1 apple, peeled and sliced, or 1 banana, peeled
*1tbsp oats
*200ml coconut milk or regular milk
Method:
Blend all of the ingredients together and serve, or pour into silicone lolly moulds and freeze overnight.
Mango Tango
Makes: 2 smoothies or 4 lollies
“Mango gives a delicious flavour and a great colour, too. This smoothie has lots of vitamin C, making it especially good for boosting immunity.”
Ingredients:
*150g frozen mango chunks
*1 apple, peeled and sliced, or 1 banana, peeled
*200ml orange juice
*Dash vanilla/honey (optional)
Method:
Blend all of the ingredients together and serve, or pour into silicone lolly moulds and freeze overnight.
How to keep cool in a heatwave
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS…
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
