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    Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, a fun, frozen treat can make a hot summer day more bearable. But when you are watching your grocery budget, the treats in the frozen food section can add an unnecessary line on your receipt, especially when you know that those varieties often have less than nutritious ingredients and are filled with additives that neither you nor your kids need.

    You can easily create your own frozen treats by using fresh fruits, juices, yogurt, and natural sweeteners. They are sure to be tastier and healthier than those available in the store.

    Handy frozen treat molds can be purchased at most stores that sell kitchen items,  and sticks are available in craft stores and wherever candy-making supplies are sold.  If you prefer to make your own mold you can use wax-coated paper cups. Fill them up to three-quarters full and then cover with foil, press the stick through the top and place in the freezer for four hours or longer.  When ready to eat, tear off the paper cup and enjoy. 

    So the question is, what do you put in your homemade frozen treats? Fruit is great to anchor the sticks but often floats in the juice/liquid you add.  For best results, freeze the treats with just the fruit in the bottom and the sticks inserted, then fill with juice and complete the freezing process. These make for a terrific snack for kids when you don't want to fill them up too much because they are eating a glass of juice.

    Another refreshing summer snack option is frozen whole fruit.  Bananas, grapes, berries, and melon chunks are all delicious and refreshing; just cut and thread them on a stick or on a skewer (cut the sharp tip off when you are finished with assembly).  If you are using a fruit that is prone to oxidation (browning), dip it in orange juice or lemon water before freezing.  For a truly decadent option, you can drizzle these frozen fruits with melted chocolate or use Magic Shell™ to create a chocolate coating.

    Freezing whole fruit is a wonderful way to save money and a terrific way to enjoy fruit just past its peak.

    For fun and variety, you can also add sliced fruit, whole berries or create a rainbow of flavor by adding different colored layers and allowing them to freeze before adding another layer.

    But you don’t have to limit your flavors to fruit; try vanilla yogurt layered with coffee or freeze a leftover smoothie (If you do smoothies more than once, you can create a rainbow from a week's worth of smoothies). Homemade frozen treats can be a good for an on-the-go breakfast, too -- as long as it isn't you can eat them before they melt.