Greetings from the kitchens of Sandhill Cove! It’s Executive Chef Aron Spector here, and after more than 10 years in the kitchen, my passion for exceptional food is stronger than ever—especially when it comes to snacks!
Summer calls for a special kind of snacking, doesn’t it? We want to stay hydrated and feel light and energized, but we also don’t want to sacrifice flavor. That’s why I’ve come up with some fresh ideas that are as delicious as they are good for you.
Let’s dive into the world of healthy and elevated summer snacks!
Elevated Fruit
- Fruit Skewers: Watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, berries … these jewels of summer are bursting with vitamins and water. Cube your favorites and thread them onto skewers for colorful, easy-to-eat treats. Fancy it up with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint!
- Homemade Popsicles: Ditch store-bought popsicles! Puree your favorite summer fruits for a custom flavor burst, or go classic with yogurt and berries for layered parfaits.
- Frozen Grapes: Nature’s perfect sweet frozen treat! These little flavor bursts are delightful and keep you hydrated.
- Apples With the Works: This classic combo gets an upgrade! Use your favorite nut butter and add a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.
- Melon and Prosciutto Skewers: A taste of Italy on a stick! Cube your melon of choice, then layer with prosciutto and fresh basil. It’s sweet, salty, and oh-so-sophisticated.
- Fruit and Cheese Board: A summer staple! Use the best in-season fruits, a mix of cheeses (think aged cheddar alongside creamy brie), whole-grain crackers, and a scattering of nuts.
Vegetables With a Twist
- Mini Pepper Poppers: Who doesn’t love tiny bell peppers? Cut off the tops, scoop out the seeds, and fill them with a dollop of tangy cream cheese (plain or herbed). These bites are crunchy, refreshing, and a snap to make!
- Veggies and Hummus: Nothing beats this combo for portable, plant-based goodness. For extra pizzazz, try different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper.
- Tuna or Chicken Salad on Cucumber: The perfect “no bread needed” option! Make a simple salad (light on the mayo), and scoop it onto cool cucumber rounds. Add a sprinkle of paprika or a whisper of dill for extra flavor.
- Edamame: Steam or boil these protein-packed beans, then add a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend.
- Gazpacho: This chilled soup is like a vitamin bomb in a bowl. Use ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Add a touch of heat with a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Caprese Skewers: Miniature masterpieces! Thread cherry tomatoes, those little mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a pop of flavor.
- Mini Pita Pizzas: Warm a whole-wheat mini pita, add a spoonful of sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and any healthy toppings you like (think olives, mushrooms or spinach!). Broil until bubbly for a mini pizza party.
Protein Powerhouses
- Deviled Eggs: This classic always pleases. Hard-boil a few, mix those yolks with a touch of mayonnaise and mustard, and you have protein-packed snacks. A sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of elegance.
- Cottage Cheese: A scoop of cottage cheese alone is packed with protein. Jazz it up with sliced peaches, a scattering of granola, and a honey drizzle, or go savory with cucumber slices and dill.
- Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are snacking staples. Season them lightly or make an egg salad with low-fat mayo and chives for a flavor boost.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: This luscious dip is fantastic for veggies—think carrots, radishes or even broccoli florets. Add lemon, dill, and a touch of garlic … the possibilities are endless!
- Trail Mix: Customize to your heart’s content! Think almonds, pumpkin seeds, a touch of dried fruit, or even a few dark chocolate chips for a healthy indulgence.
- Chia Seed Pudding: It looks fancy, but it’s a cinch to make! Whisk together chia seeds, your favorite milk (almond, coconut—you choose!), and a bit of honey. Let it thicken overnight for a pudding-like treat. Top with fresh summer berries.
- Yogurt and Granola Bark: Get creative! Spread yogurt on parchment, sprinkle with granola and berries, then freeze. Break into pieces for a satisfying crunch.
- Overnight Oats: I love a make-ahead snack! This one is endlessly customizable. Combine oats, milk, yogurt, a chia seed boost, and whatever sweetness you enjoy. Top with a rainbow of fruit when you’re ready to eat.
- Avocado: Homemade guacamole is where it’s at! Mash avocados with lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt, and serve with whole-wheat crackers.
Chef’s Tips:
A few simple tricks can make these snacks even better for you! From keeping portions in check to adding a burst of unexpected flavor, these tips will help you enjoy your snacks while keeping your healthy eating goals:
- Portion Control Is Key: Even healthy snacks can add up in calories if you’re not mindful. Use smaller plates and bowls, or pre-portion into individual containers for grab-and-go ease.
- Flavor Bursts: A pinch of smoked paprika, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of citrus can add an extra layer of interest to simple snacks.
- Play With Textures: Combine crunchy and creamy elements for a more satisfying experience. Think yogurt and granola, apples and peanut butter, or carrots and hummus.
- Fresh Herbs: Snipped chives, chopped basil, or a sprinkle of mint can instantly brighten a snack’s flavor. If you have the space, grow a small herb pot for easy access.
- The Freezer Is Your Ally: Freeze yogurt tubes, individual portions of fruit, or make batches of those awesome granola yogurt snack barks for easy, healthy options on hand.
Water With a Zing! How To Upgrade Your Hydration
While healthy snacks are a vital part of well-being, it’s equally important to remember hydration, especially for older adults. Our bodies’ sense of thirst diminishes with age, making it easier to become dehydrated without even realizing it. In fact, studies show that up to 40% of older adults may be chronically underhydrated.
Here are ways to jazz up your water and make those daily glasses way more exciting:
- Fruity Infusion: This is the classic! Slice up your favorite fruits—think citrus fruits, berries, melon, even cucumber—and add them to a pitcher of water. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) for a subtle, refreshing flavor boost.
- Herbal Delight: A few sprigs of fresh herbs transform ordinary water into something special. Mint, basil, rosemary, and even thyme work beautifully. Gently muddle (slightly crush) the herbs to release their aroma before adding them to your water.
- Sparkling Sensation: If you love a bit of fizz, sparkling water is your friend. Add a squeeze of lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a twist. Muddle a few berries in the bottom of your glass for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Get Creative With Ice: Freeze fruit juice in ice cube trays for a colorful and tasty addition as they melt. Or try freezing edible flowers, herb sprigs or slices of citrus in your cubes for a beautiful visual touch.
- Tropical Twist: For a taste of the islands, add chunks of pineapple or mango to your water, along with a touch of lime and a few leaves of mint.
- Spice It Up: Add a subtle warmth to your water with a few slices of fresh ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, or a star anise pod.
- Cool Cucumber: Nothing says refreshing quite like cucumber. Slice some up and add it to your water (alongside mint or watermelon) for a spa-like experience.
- Sweetened Naturally: If you need a touch of sweetness, rather than artificial sweeteners, try muddled berries, a drizzle of honey, or a splash of pure maple syrup.
Dining Is Always a Pleasure at Sandhill Cove
At Sandhill Cove, we understand that great food is an essential part of a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle. That’s why we offer a variety of dining options to suit your tastes and occasions, whether you’re looking for a casual poolside bite or a celebratory meal.
From the casual Cove, serving up delicious poolside eats, to the elegant Sandhill Club Dining Room with its stunning water views, you’ll always find the perfect setting to match your appetite.
Our menus also change with the seasons, celebrating fresh produce and showcasing a mix of comfort food classics and chef-inspired creations.
Contact us online or call 772-419-9598 to schedule a personalized visit and experience the difference at Sandhill Cove. We’re saving a seat at the table for you!