By Natalie Meriwether
MCHD WIC
The days are getting shorter, the nights are feeling cooler and summer is beginning to come to an end. Even though school is starting back up, we are still enjoying those sweet, juicy, fresh summer fruits.
Also, August is National Peach Month!
From homemade peach ice cream to a hot peach cobbler, there are many fun and delicious ways to enjoy peaches. In the WIC Kitchen, we’re enjoying National Peach Month with popsicles made with fresh peaches, vanilla yogurt and orange juice.
Not only are peaches sweet and delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, B vitamins and potassium. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which is important to help keep you full longer. Antioxidants found in peaches include lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin, and these may help to prevent inflammation.
Vanilla Greek yogurt is an excellent addition to most any snack, because it is an good source of protein, calcium and probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can grow naturally in yogurt or can sometimes be added. Some people may be shocked to learn that eating yogurt actually introduces bacteria into your gut. However, the bacteria found in yogurt is necessary for a healthy digestive tract because it helps balance the number of “bad” bacteria also found in the gut.
Enjoy this refreshing, easy and delicious treat as an after-school snack or as a chilled breakfast.
PEACHY POPS
- two peaches
- 2/3 cup yogurt, low-fat vanilla
- two cups orange juice
- six paper cups
- six spoons
Use a knife to remove the skin from the peaches and to chop them. Spoon the peaches into each of the six paper cups.
Place the yogurt in a medium mixing bowl.
Slowly pour and stir the orange juice into the yogurt. Mix well.
Pour some of the juice and yogurt mix into each cup to cover the peaches.
Place a spoon in the center of each cup and place cups in the freezer for at least four hours.
To keep the spoon in the center while freezing, poke a square of tin foil through the spoon and fold to cover the top of the cup.
Just before serving, peel the paper cups away from the pops to eat.
