I’ve grown to love the month of May. Weather wise, we just don’t know what we’re going to get. Some days it’s warm and sunny and other days it’s rainy and cool. Evening walks usually require a light jacket…or sometimes a heavier one when it’s raining and chilly…
Watching the days get longer and longer is also fun to do. I was previously never a big fan of the spring months because I only focused on the crummy weather, but I’m learning to enjoy the ups and downs that spring often brings. Plus, it’s my birthday month so I have to like it!
With warmer temperatures in mind, I have not one, not two, but three snack recipes for you today!
It’s almost the weekend and I think you should celebrate all your hard work. Or maybe whip up a couple treats for your mom on Sunday and share the love.
First things first.
I’m on a popsicle making kick.
After a trip to Costco earlier this week, I was reunited with one of my favourite purchases- a huge bag of frozen mango chunks! It appeals to my lazy, don’t-like-to-peel-mangoes side and it lasts forever.
I think you know what happened next.
I ripped open the bag of sweet potato chips as soon as we got in the door.
Oh, right, we’re talking about popsicles here. I think you know what I did after ripping open the bag of chips that Eric said we should save for my party.
Oops.
I blended up mango, banana, almond milk, and a touch of coconut extract. Check out that action shot!
I proceeded to make a huge mess while pouring and snapping pictures simultaneously.
Then, I waited. Very impatiently. That’s the worst part about making popsicles! Maybe next time I will make them overnight so I don’t keep checking them every half hour.
Well, they were worth the wait and then some. Creamy, sweet, tropical…and best of all, just 3 ingredients. Don’t have a popsicle mold? Just use ice cube trays or drink it as a smoothie. It’s a reeeeally good smoothie.
I’m thinking I have to make margarita popsicles too?
(note: recipes will be at end of this post)
Up next, berry parfaits made with banana soft serve. It’s one of our go-to healthy desserts during the warmer months. Granted, I will happily consume this even when it’s chilly outside, but it’s even more fun to cool down with after a warm evening stroll.
It’s made with processed frozen bananas, my fav Lightened Up Summer Granola, coconut, instant chocolate sauce, and fresh berries.
Finally, a chocolate raspberry smoothie, also for two! This just might be my favourite out of all of them. Super creamy with a lovely chocolate raspberry flavour.
If my mom lived nearby I would be making her this smoothie on Mother’s Day. John, I’m leaving this as your special assignment!
As I mentioned, I’ve been loving raw cacao powder lately. It has a really intense chocolate flavour and so many health benefits. Feel free to use cocoa powder if preferred. Both will work!
Looking for more easy snack recipes? Check out my 22 Ways To Get Your Vegan Snack Attack On Post.
3 Ready-in-a-Jiffy Warm Weather Snack Recipes
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Tropical Mango Banana Popsicles
Yield
6 popsicles
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or coconut milk)
- splash of coconut extract (optional)
Directions
- In a blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds (or ice cube trays) and freeze until set.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Easy Berry Parfaits
Yield
2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen, ripe bananas
- 1-1.5 cups fresh mixed berries
- 1/2 cup Lightened Up Summer Granola, or other granola
- Shredded coconut, to garnish
- Easy Chocolate sauce: Heat & whisk together: 1 tsp coconut oil, 1 tsp pure maple syrup, 1 tsp cocoa powder
Directions
- Peel and freeze your bananas until solid, preferably overnight. In a food processor, drop in the frozen banana chunks and process until creamy and smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. You can also give it a splash of almond milk to help it along. Nut butter is also a nice add in too.
- Add the banana soft serve, granola, and fresh fruit in layers in a couple glasses or parfait dishes. Pour the chocolate sauce on top and serve immediately.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie for Two
Yield
2 servings
Prep time
Cook time
0 minutes
Total time
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 3/4 cup frozen (or fresh raspberries)
- 2 large ripe frozen bananas
- 2 tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 tbsp chocolate + more for shaving on top
- 1-2 tbsp liquid sweetener (to taste)
- Shredded coconut, for garnish
Directions
- Add ingredients to blender (except sweetener and coconut). Add sweetener to taste, pour into glasses, and then sprinkle coconut and shaved chocolate on top.
They all look so good. Thanks Ang! We love those mangos.
I also love your picture in the cute red coat….pretty!
As of today I am the proud owner of a Vitamix! (and dry grains container) Is it strange that I’m marking this as a big day in my life? I can’t wait to use my new blender and the recipes you posted sound like a great way to start. Especially the chocolate raspberry smoothie. Although I’ve been on a frozen cherry kick lately so I will probably go that route. Then nut butters then pesto….Thanks!
Congrats!
Where did you get that clear drinking straw in the Chocolate raspberry smoothie pictures?
It is a fabulous glass straw company called Glass D’harma :)
My Costco doesn’t have the giant bag of frozen mangoes or the sweet potato chips. Blast! Both look delicious!
really? Hmm I find their selection can vary from store to store sometimes. They were out of a couple things I normally buy. Maybe they will come to your store at some point? :)
Lol, I love those chips! They make a Lime flavor too that’s really yummy! Anyways, I must get a popsicle mold for this summer. My poor little girl was at my in-laws one day and they offered her a popsicle and she didn’t even know what it was. I would love to let her help me make some healthy popsicles though! I usually buy frozen mango too, don’t feel bad. It’s so annoying peeling the slimy “meat” out, haha!
Yum!!!! So delicious! Can’t wait to try this! Your blog and story are so inspiring! Keep up the great work!!!
Wonderful! I especially love the mango popsicle!
When I immigrated from Europe (south-eastern part) I was used to 25+ temperatures from March on and I really suffered for the first few (like 10) years. But now I love Canadian weather and the fresh spring air, the rain…Still don’t love the wind a lot but can’t have it all, right? :)
Yummy – can’t wait for the warm weather to come so I can try these
You look adorable in that top picture!! xo
Thanks :) Its my fav jacket b/c the hood is HUGE!
Yum Angela! I want one of everything right now!!!
Those sweet potato chips are totally addictive. We found them at Trader Joe’s & now we’re hooked. The same thing happened with frozen mango. I always end up just eating them from the bag & then not having enough left for a recipe.
aha same :)
I’d love to know where you got those popsicle molds. My toddler would go nuts for those. And they look like the perfect size.
Wal mart :)
Uuuuum….yum, yum, yum, yum, and YUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!!! That chocolate raspberry smoothie looks amazing as does everything else! I lurve your blog! XOXO
Mmm those popsicles look so delicious! Also, I love the red coat!:)
mmmm Mango! I’ll have to try these on your niece and nephew soon (or just eat them myself)
These are actually genius staples for this kind of weather. For a weather this hot, a homemade popsicle stick sounds perfect for an afternoon snack right now.
Those mango pops look amazing… I will be definitely trying those out as soon as I can get to the dollar store for some popsicle trays.
Those sweet potato chips are so crazy addicting !
Okay, you have to tell us, where did you get your coat from?! It’s amazing!
Thanks Stephanie! it`s from RW & Co, last winter 2011.
Ohh those mango popsicles look amazing!! That’s usually my go-to combo for a breakfast protein smoothie. I just bought some popsicle molds on the weekend and they have been sitting on the counter and I must look at them 20 times a day since then, thinking about what flavor to try first. Bingo! found it! Let us know how the margarita ones turn out.
I’m on a total margarita fix this year and have never been before.