These watermelon tree icy poles make a refreshing summer snack but are especially fun to make at Christmas time.
Not only do they look impressive, they’re really quick and easy to make and encourage kids of all ages into the kitchen to help decorate them.
Cooking with kids – and the inevitable mess that follows – can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this recipe ensures minimal clean-up if you set up your decorating station in advance.
Getting kids in the kitchen has so many long-term health benefits and also helps to build confidence and self-esteem.
Even completing a simple task like this gives kids a sense of accomplishment, and it’s this feeling of success that supports their development.
Christmas is often a time when kids are surrounded by candy canes and gingerbread, so these trees make a sweet change and encourage them to eat more fruit.
The yoghurt icing adds gut-loving probiotics, nourishing fats and protein, then utilise whatever nuts, seeds or dried fruit you have in the pantry to decorate. The tree stumps work as built-in handles or you can add pop sticks.
Serves: Approx. 18 – Prep time: 10 mins – Cool time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
¼ watermelon
Yoghurt
Optional decorations: Desiccated coconut, chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, seeds
Instructions:
Cut your watermelon into slices about 2cm thick, then slice the rinds in half or thirds, to create tall trees.
Trim the rind from the flesh at the sides to create a trunk, then use a sharp knife to make an incision in the trunk where your pop stick can go.
Fill a small piping bag with yoghurt and ice your trees. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply fill a plastic sandwich bag in the corner and snip the end off.
Place in the freezer until the yoghurt has set, then enjoy!
