There are still a few lingering days of summer before school starts and kids head back to school. Here’s my list of some of the best end-of-summer and, in some cases, new supermarket products to help you stay cool and enjoy the dog days of summer.
1. Vegan ice cream? Yes, it’s good! Ben & Jerry’s has created vegan versions of favorite ice cream flavors for those who have problems with dairy or are simply health-conscious. In 2019, the company added the following two new additions to its collection of non-dairy frozen offerings:
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: vanilla with chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge flakes.
• Chocolate Caramel Cluster: chocolate with peanuts, fudge chunks, and salted caramel swirls.
And for those who are not as health-conscious:
2. Magnum’s Double Tubs now offer enticing flavors like Double Sea Salt Caramel, Double Cookie Crumble, Double Chocolate & Ganache, and Double Cherry Truffle. They’re filled with delicious sauces and ingredients wrapped in a chocolate shell.
3. Party-size McCafe Frappes - Originally only sold in smaller 13.7-ounce bottles, two flavors of the refreshing iced coffee drinks – caramel and mocha – are now available in large 40-ounce bottles to help beat the summer heat. The drinks are made with 100% Arabica coffee beans and blended with real milk, sugar, and natural flavors.
4. When you take your next burger off the grill, add a dollop or two of Best Foods Classic Burger Sauce. Made from cage-free eggs and responsibly sourced oils and vinegar, the creamy sauce is flavored with bits of relish, paprika, and garlic. Once you try this, you may never use ketchup and other condiments again. It’s the perfect topping for other meats and dishes as well.
5. Pillsbury Grands! and Hawaiian bread = perfect combo. Pillsbury has jumped on the sweet bread wagon, following the lead of others who have made their own version of the wildly-popular King’s Hawaiian Bread. You have to try Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Hawaiian Biscuits – they’re flaky and fluffy, with the perfect drop of sweetness. Breakfast – or any meal – never tasted so good.
6. Newman's Own Organic Oil and Vinegar Dressing – Yes, I know, the brand has been around for quite a while and for good reason. It’s good and the proceeds go to charity. This latest variety is even better. It’s low in sodium and free of added sugars. Instead, it’s full of onion, mustard, garlic, and lemon flavors that combine to create a delicious and light salad dressing for a cool summer salad and marinade for chicken breasts, pork chops, or steak.
7. Welch’s Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé – Cheers to the last lingering days of summer! And when this light and fizzy beverage is served, even the kids can have a glass. The non-alcoholic drink is made with two types of healthy grapes, which create the delicious taste and soft pastel color. It’s fruity and downright fun to drink.
8. Just when I thought potato chips couldn’t possibly get any better, Cape Cod Waves Sea Salt chips came along. I already love Cape Cod chips, but their newest creation takes crunchy, salty, and satisfying to an entirely new level. They’re hearty enough to hold the heaviest dip, but they’re so good, you really don’t need one.
9. It’s summer, so kids – and grownups - are looking for snacks. Fudge Covered Oreos are also perfect school lunchbox desserts. Encased in chocolate, these perennial favorites just got 100 times better.
10. Breyer’s Ice Cream is a perennial favorite and so is its newest flavor, Breyer’s Delights’ Caramel Brownie. A serving of the reduced fat ice cream contains only 3.5 grams of fat and 9 grams of sugar. And it’s even a good source of protein! With caramel swirls and real chunks of brownie. It’s perfect for a hot summer day treat.
Beat the Heat Frozen Fruit Pie
9 - 10-inch graham cracker crust
1- 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1- 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14-ounce can of condensed milk
20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained and pressed dry
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
1 cup toasted and chopped pecans
Extra cherries, pecans and whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Prepare the pie shell as directed on the package; let cool if baking a crust.
In mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; stop whipping when peaks are stiff.
Using another clean bowl, beat cream cheese until soft, then add in the condensed milk. Stir in the pineapple and cherries, then fold in the sweetened whipped cream and pecans. Pour in as much filling as possible into the deep dish crust.
Place the pie in the freezer (covered lightly with non-stick foil or plastic wrap) and freeze for several hours or overnight. Before serving, removing the pie from the freezer and let thaw slightly. Top with extra cherries, pecans, and whipped cream.