Summer time usually conjures images of sprinklers, swim arms and endless rounds of playdates. It also marks the beginning of a parent’s three-month quest to find ways for their kids to keep cool.

One great way to cool off is to take a dip -- for lunch or dinner that is!

Even the pickiest toddlers love to dip their food and eat all by themselves.

When ketchup gets old, these easy snacks are not only healthy choices for babies and toddlers, they are easy to make too! Just plug in your Cuisinart food processor and go!

Avocado Dip

1 ripe medium-size avocado

 1 small garlic clove, crushed

 1 tbsp. lemon juice

 1 tbsp. mayonnaise 

• Pit the avocado and cut it in half 
• Scoop out the edible part and add to processor
• Add the garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise
• Process to desired consistency
• Serve with raw vegetables or whole-wheat crackers

Hummus

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 cloves garlic-roughly chopped

¼ cup lemon juice

¼ cup water

½ cup tahini

1 tsp sea salt

• Put all ingredients in processor
• Blend to desired consistency
• Season with drizzled olive oil, finely chopped parsley or a light dusting of cumin or curry powder for added flavor (if your child is old enough and inclined toward a flavor adventure!).

Vanilla Yogurt Dip

2 cups plain yogurt

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. cinnamon

•  Blend all ingredients together
•   Chill for one hour and serve with fresh fruit 

Veggie Dip

8 oz. yogurt

1 tsp. lemon rind, grated

1 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. celery, minced

1 tbsp. green pepper, minced

1 tbsp. green onion, minced

•  Combine all ingredients in bowl and chill for an hour.