With summer just around the corner, here are some sweet treats for you to make at home to ward off the heat.

Pop Rock Ice Cream:

Pop Rocks are one of the most exciting candies out there, so why not try incorporating some of that popping fun into your ice cream?

You will need:
Ice cream of your choice
1 Pack of Pop rocks
Any other toppings that you would like (fruits, candies, sprinkles, etc.)

1. Take as much ice cream as you would like and spread it out in a large bowl.
2. Evenly spread out your toppings.
3. Mix the ice cream with toppings well (just like they do at Cold Stone!)
4. Enjoy the Pop Rocks as you eat your delicious treat!

Double Jelly Gelatin:

Next time you make Jell-O, consider adding some fruit purée to give it a more natural, fruity punch. Also, add some jelly beans to double the jelly in the dessert.

You will need:
4 Cups puréed watermelon
3 Pouches of unflavored gelatin
1½ Cups cold water
¾ Cup boiling water
¾ Cup sugar
½ Cup puréed strawberries
Jelly beans

1. Fill a large bowl with the cold water and add the unflavored gelatin and let it to sit for a few minutes.
2. Microwave and stir until all the gelatin is dissolved.
3. Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
4. Add the watermelon and strawberry purées and stir.
5. Add in the jelly beans.
6. Refrigerate until solid.

Tip: Touch your finger to the top of the gelatin to see if it is ready to eat.. If nothing comes off onto your finger, then it is ready.

Kool-Aid Snow Cones:

With dozens upon dozens of Kool-Aid flavors out there, you’re sure to find one (or more than one) that you would love to use for this delicious snow cone recipe.

You will need:
2 Cups sweetener such as Splenda or sugar
1 Pouch of your favorite Kool-Aid flavor
1 Cup water
Crushed ice cubes

1. Boil the water in a pot and slowly stir in the sweetener until it is all dissolved.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Kool-Aid powder until dissolved.
3. Add the syrup to some crushed ice and serve.

Tip: For a thicker syrup, add a bit of tapioca flour or other thickener into the boiling water before dissolving the Kool-Aid.

Refreshing Cucumber Water:

Instead of chugging down gallon after gallon of sugary soda this summer, try this quick and simple, healthier alternative.. Packed with Vitamin C and other great nutrients without sacrificing flavor, cucumber water is sure to be a big hit at parties or just for you on a hot summer day.

You will need:
32 oz. Water
1 Ripe cucumber

1. Slice the cucumber up into small pieces and place it in a jar.
2. Fill the jar with water.
3. Let soak overnight in the fridge.

Tip: You can add other ingredients like mint or lemons to customize your drink to your liking. Just add them into the jar before letting it sit overnight and enjoy!

Healthier Oreo Smoothie:

Everyone loves a good, old-fashioned Oreo smoothie, but try this recipe with a healthier twist.

You will need:
5 Frozen Oreo cookies
1¼ Cups almond or soy milk
1 Frozen banana
1 Scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream or frozen yogurt
½ Cup coconut milk
Crushed graham crackers

1. Put the Oreos, almond or soy milk, banana, ice cream, and coconut milk into a blender and blend.
2. Pour into cups and garnish with crushed graham crackers.

Tip: You can change the amount of almond or soy milk (or use both!) depending on how thick you want your smoothie to be.