Family Friendly Summer Fun and Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups

Nothing’s better than a movie in the summer. Whether you’re enjoying a family flick outside, cooling off in a dark theater or taking a van-load of kids to the drive-in, there are lots of ways to enjoy films in the Tulsa area this summer.

Beginning in Broken Arrow Thursday night, families can take in a free film outdoors at BA’s Central Park beginning at 9 p.m. Showing this week is Kung Fu Panda 2.

For on-going, almost free entertainment, you can go to Cinemark Movies 8 on Memorial every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for a kid-friendly film. Shows start at 10 a.m. and they’re only $1. Next week’s film is Rio, followed by Kung Fu Panda 2, Despicable Me, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 and more. The last movie will show August 8. For the complete list, go to http://cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse-2012.

Also, for those of you who have fond memories of the Admiral Twin Drive-In — it’s re-opening this Friday! The screen tower was destroyed by a fire back in 2010, but now it’s back and better than ever before. The shows are Rock of Ages, Men in Black 3, The Avengers and Snow White and the Huntsman. If you go on Friday, go early because the band Holiday Geek will be performing before the screenings. Word is that there will be an official grand opening in July and maybe a free public show at some point. Go to http://admiraltwindrive-in.com for more details.

You all know that you can take the kids to Storytime at QuikTrip Plaza at 41st & Riverside every Thursday morning at 10 a.m., right? Take a blanket, some snacks and relax while someone reads you a story. Just don’t fall asleep!

Philbrook’s Heyman Adventures in Art is Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 for kids ages 6 to 12. Adults can join in, too! Even if you’re not an artist, it’s fun to let your creative side shine and make some art.

Last, but not, least, it’s FATHER’S DAY this Sunday. Don’t forget dad. The Oklahoma Aquarium is honoring dads on Sunday by giving them free admission with one paid admission. Those are just a few of the happenings around town this weekend. Now, get out and have some fun!

Here’s a recipe for Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups that I made on Channel 8’s Good Morning Oklahoma yesterday. They’re easy to make and a great way to use up all that extra fruit. The best part is that you know what goes into your fruit roll-ups. You can adjust the sugar, or use honey, if you want. Did you know that some Strawberry Fruit Roll-Up products that you buy at the storye actually don’t use strawberries? I know. Weird. Here’s my recipe. Be sure to watch the oven time because you want the roll-ups to still be pliable, not crunchy! I left my strawberries in too long once and got strawberry chips!

Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups

• 2 – 2 1/2 cups strawberries or other fruit, chopped. Use any kind of fruit you like: kiwi, apples, pears, raspberries, etc. You can combine fruits such as apple/strawberry, or add spices, such as adding cinnamon to apple.
• 1 TBL fresh lemon juice
• 1 TBL water
• 1/4 cup sugar or less, depending on taste. You may also use honey

Combine fruit, lemon juice and water in small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stir, then cover. Let the fruit stew about 5 minutes to soften a bit. If you have really soft fruit, you might even skip the heating step.

Heat oven to 170.

In a food processor or blender, blend fruit until smooth. Add sugar.

Put parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Pour the fruit mixture onto the parchment paper and spread with a spatula to about 1/4 inch.

Put in the oven, leaving open a crack to let moisture escape. Bake 3 to 6 hours. The length of time depends on the thickness of the fruit spread and the moisture content. It should be pliable enough to make a roll. When the fruit is done, let it cool, then cut into strips with scissors or a pizza cutter. Roll them up or stack them in an airtight container or zipper storage bag. Store in cool, dry place. They freeze well and can be frozen for up to a year or last six months in the refrigerator.