It is officially SUMMER! I don’t know about you guys, but I have been waiting for it for months. The spring in the midwest was more like “Sprinter” and the rain has put a bit of a damper on the season, to say the least. I am so happy that the sun has FINALLY come out and it truly feels like summer has arrived! I am so ready for the next few months of this!
We are finally settled in Chicago. The move was a doozy, but so grateful it’s all done and we are settled in our new downtown apartment. Chicago in the summer is amazing! Apparently they call it Chi-ami in the summer and I am all about it. The pool side hangouts will be happening a lot this summer, no question! I am excited about it just writing this blog post. We are lucky enough to have a large pool and deck in our new condo building in Chicago. Believe me – I will be there every single weekend soaking in the rays and enjoying the summer heat (with SPF of course)! It’s time to bust out the floats, new sunnies and soak in pool time as much as possible. Oh and of course, enjoy lots and lots of cold poolside treats.
For me, pool time means relaxing and lots of refreshing snacks. I’m all about finding tasty, yet healthier poolside goodies! Pool snacks don’t need to be deep fried and unhealthy. They can be fresh, delicious and even plant-based. Desserts too! Today I’m gonna share 3 great ideas for bringing the dessert game strong to your pool party! All plant based! Let’s get into it.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit Skewers.
These are SO easy you guys. I personally love the combination of fruit and chocolate, so these are super satisfying. All you need are bananas, strawberries, green grapes, wooden skewers, and some dairy free dark chocolate. Slice a banana into coins and cut strawberries into halves. Layer the banana coins, strawberries and grapes on a skewer. Leave some room on the stick to hold it. Dip the skewer in melted chocolate (roll around to cover fully) and lay flat on a greased cookie sheet. Place in the freezer for 2 hours. You can also play around with toppings – including coconut flakes, peanut butter, crushed nuts and even sea salt flakes if you want to be fancy! These are such a crowd pleaser! Store in the freezer and take out when you are ready to eat.
Daiya “Ice Cream” Dessert Bars
Let me tell you these are a TREAT! I first tried these last fall at a natural foods trade show so I am SO excited that these are finally out in stores for everyone to enjoy this summer. Plant-based ice cream options are not always the tastiest, but I truly swear by these. I will have a stocked freezer at all times of these – no question!
As someone who enjoys real ice cream too – these taste absolutely incredible! Daiya is a leading plant-based brand committed to delighting your senses with delicious, better-for-you products. You know I love Daiya plant-based cheese options and these are no exception to the plant based, but so good, rule. I promise! The Daiya Dessert Bars are creamy, rich, smooth and made with real fair trade dark chocolate! Can’t say no to that! My fave flavor is Espresso Coffee and it’s made with 100% arabica coffee- just the way I like it. The Salted Caramel Swirl is also a fave of mine. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty. The dessert bars also come in Classic Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Fudge Crunch if you want to keep it classic. No shame there. For those of you who are sensitive to dairy, or just love exploring plant based options – these are truly a great option. I can’t wait to bring these to my next pool day and enjoy all the dairy free deliciousness in the sun! Check out the store locator here to see where you can buy them near you.
Watermelon Slushies
This is one of my faves. Watermelon is like the hallmark fruit of summer and I can never get enough of it. It’s sweet, thirst quenching and also super pretty! Since watermelon is mostly water, it blends up really well and has the perfect consistency for a slushy. Buy pre cut watermelon or cut up a whole one. Place in a blender with lots of ice and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Blend until it is a slushy consistency, only takes a minute or so. Pour in a cup and serve with some fresh mint leaves! This is the ultimate poolside refreshment drink. If you’re feeling it – you can add in a splash of booze or even sparkling water. And if a watermelon slushy isn’t your thing, plain old watermelon slices will do the trick!
Happy summer everyone – I hope this gave you a few ideas to enjoy some refreshing poolside plant based treats! Thank you to Daiya for sponsoring this post. I love working with brands whose products bring me joy and great plant based options for my daily life.
