July WIC Kitchen: Cool treats for hot days

Jul. 9, 2025

By Mary Wade Burnside and Sarah Moore

Who doesn’t love a banana split in the summer? It’s a refreshing go-to and a crowd pleaser when it comes to kids.
Have you ever thought of making one with yogurt instead?
It’s a fun treat that you can make, maybe with ingredients you already have around the house.
This easy recipe is a guideline for how to make one, but feel free to customize it anyway you want. Toppings can make it even more fun and tasty.
Bananas are packed with potassium, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. They’re also a good source of vitamin B6, essential for brain health and energy metabolism. They also contain fiber that aids digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Strawberries support immune health, aid in reducing inflammation and they contribute to bone health and metabolism. Raspberries help with digestion and, like strawberries, immunity and inflammation reduction. They also are good for bone health and blood function.
Next, the refreshing Watermelon Sorbet is very hydrating on hot July days. The water in the name is not just a coincidence, it’s also what watermelon is primarily made of. Watermelons were originally cultivated for their high water content and stored to be eaten during dry seasons, as a source of both food and water.
This summer gourd is also high in antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C and beta carotene, which all help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Just like with the Breakfast Banana Split, you can add your own finishing touches to the Watermelon Sorbet, such as mint or another herb.

Breakfast Banana Split
Ingredients:
1 banana, peeled and sliced lengthwise*
1 cup of vanilla whole milk yogurt*
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and/or blackberries*
1/2 cup granola
(Optional garnishes: sprinkles, almonds, etc.)

Directions:
Place the bananas in a long bowl or plate. Spoon the yogurt over the top.
Sprinkle the berries, granola, and optional add-ons onto the bananas and yogurt.
Serve as a fun breakfast or snack!

Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon, cubed *
1/2 lime Juiced*
Honey, to taste

Directions:
Dice watermelon and place the pieces in the freezer overnight. You can proceed after several hours but make sure the watermelon is completely frozen to ensure that the sorbet has a solid texture. Place diced, frozen watermelon into the food processor and add some lime juice. Use 2-3 cups of watermelon for each half lime, but just add a little at the beginning and add more, to taste, later on. Start with just a few drops of juiced lime to keep it from splashing out of the food process, and slowly add in more as you process your sorbet to keep .
Continue to process watermelon and lime juice in the food processor until mixture turns into a sorbet texture. Add a little more lime juice as needed for taste and texture.
For a sweeter sorbet, add in a little honey or another sweetener. Serve immediately.
*Ingredients with an asterisk next to them are available through Monongalia County Health Department WIC. Call us at 304-598-5181 for more information.