Introduce Your Kids to 7 Yummy Cold Treats You Loved as a Child

Cool off from the heat with ice-cold treats you knew and loved as a child and introduce them to your little one! Here are some of every Pinoy kids' favorite ways to beat the punishing Philippine summer sun. 

1. Buko Pandan


IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno/Yummy.ph
This Pinoy summer treat is easy to make and absolutely satisfying on a hot day. Get the kids involved by cutting out your gelatin into different shapes using cookie cutters. And, to make it more fun, did you know you can also make buko pandan popsicles? 

Makes 8 to 10 servings

1 pack buko-pandan gelatin (90 grams)
1 pack all-purpose cream
1 can condensed milk (390-grams)
4 to 6 pieces buko meat, grated into strips
1 can whole corn kernels 

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.


2. Halo-halo Ice Pops


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One of the appeals of the ultimate summer treat, halo-halo, is that it uses a variety of local, colorful ingredients. It's also one of the reasons why a halo-halo popsicle would work so well! The recipe calls for only a handful of ingredients, but feel free to mix it up to suite your liking.

Makes 12 popsicles

1/2 cup ube halaya jam, (bottled halaya)
1/2 cup all-purpose cream
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (gata), divided
3/4 cup sugar, divided
3/4 cup nata de coco (jelly made from coconut water)

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.

3. Mais Con Hielo


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Remember back in the day how much you loved mais con hielo bought from your kapitbahay on hot summer afternoons? Share the experience with your kids with this recipe that makes use of both whole kernels and cream-style corn to make a creamier, more sumptuous cold treat.

Makes 4 to 5 servings

1 can canned cream-style corn
crushed ice
1 can canned whole corn kernels
1 can evaporated milk
sugar

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph. 


4. Strawberry Scramble


IMAGE Toto Labrador/Yummy.ph
Crushed ice with strawberry syrup topped with powdered milk and chocolate syrup -- do you still remember enjoying a sweet cup of iskrambol on lazy summer afternoons? Share the experience with your child by bringing the popular street food shaved ice dessert in your kitchen. Here's an idea: why not try setting up a DIY iskrambol counter with the kids piling on the toppings on their own?

Makes 1 serving

1 cup crushed ice
1/2 cup strawberry syrup, we used Hershey's
2 tablespoons powdered milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, we used Hershey's
1 tablespoon mini marshmallows
1 tablespoon candy-coated chocolate, we used Nips

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph. 

5. Mango Sago


IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno/Yummy.ph
They say Philippine mangoes are the sweetest in the world. They're most delicious here and nowhere else, so take advantage! Mango sago is easy to make and a sure-fire hit. Serve it just for the family or with guests around and you can't go wrong. 

Makes 4 to 6 servings

4 pieces mango, cubed
1 cup mango juice
1/4 cup coconut milk (gata)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup tapioca pearls (sago), cooked
1/4 cup milk

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.


6. Ice Candy


IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno/Yummy.ph
At costing just a few coins a pop, ice candy is a favorite among summer treats alongside a bottle of soft drink served in a clear plastic bag with a straw. Make your own ice candy at home with just a few ingredients. With a plentiful choice of fruits this season, you’ll have more than enough flavors to choose from. Mango, avocado, melon, lychee -- yum! 

Makes 12 to 15 servings

1 can lychee, finely chopped
1 cup lychee syrup from can
1 cup condensed milk
1 1/2 cup water

Recipe instructions are at Yummy.ph.  


7. Homemade Cheese Ice Cream



Unlike the taho or buko vendor who yell out their wares, the sorbetero tinkles a bell when he peddles his sweet treats around the neighborhood. It's a sound familiar to all Pinoy kids. Children will come running out of their homes with pockets full of coins they've begged from mama or lola once they hear it. Here's the recipe for your favorite cheese “dirty” ice cream. 

1 cup all-purpose cream
1/2 cup fresh milk
1 1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
125g cheddar cheese, diced

Recipe instructions can also be found here.