Summer Time Foodie

It is that time of summer when the children are going to be home and energetic with full of physical activities like swimming, outdoor playing etc. My suggestion is to be home made out door eating :-)

1. In South India, children are given navdhanya, the nine grains mix powder. Nine different types of grain are powdered and this mixture is given to babies and infants in porridge form. It is very nutritious. Mixed grain porridge is best for infants and children as they will be benefited from the nutrition of all the nine grains.

2. Nothing says summer like ice cream. Be it all time favorite flavors like vanilla, strawberry or chocolate, ice cream puts a smile on every child's face. Making homemade icecream can be a little tricky but the easiest thing to make are soda pops and other flavored popsicles. Even kids can make them. All you need are some popsicle molds (available in all grocery stores), some juice or flavored syrup. Lassi can be a bit boring so you can make chocolate lassis . .

3. Watermelon Lemonade is a go to summer health drink for kids.

4. Palak lacha paratha is an easy, healthy paratha recipe for kids. Lunch should be prepared with balance use of herbs and spices as they give the children stamina, immunity and keeps their blood circulation and bowel in harmony. The parathas can be shaped in funny cartoon shapes.

5. Boiled rice with native rasam and saambar is the best balanced diet in summer as this digests well and keeps the body light for active sporting. 

6. Homemade burgers like the native Vada Pav made by cutting open a non-sweet bun into half and inserting a nicely fired potato Cutlet topped with onion ring, Tomato ring and a dash of coriander leaves. The top of the bun can be sprinkled with kuskus seeds. This will be a good substitute for the toxic burgers from the market and also a great relisher for the holiday kid 

7. Regular sandwiches can be a little boring, SO one can make grilled potato/ green unripe banana sandwiches with creative garnishing. 

8. My favorite desert is by keeping layers of Marie Biscuits kept 3 or 4 in a stack, with healthy spread of chocolate sauce laid as a cake and freezes chill. Then the same can be cut in different shapes in chilled condition to make it attractive. 

9. Finally it is nice to realize the time is holiday, so adding fun to eating is a good idea.. try creating a picnic at home by spreading a mat on the terrace and having fun lunch .

10. Taking snacks and having it after a swim near the pool is bliss. 

:-) DKB