Childhood Revisited
Perhaps it's that I work outside every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It has been a hot and humid summer in Texas...and all across the country, for that matter. Or perhaps it has absolutely nothing to do with the heat. But, lately, I've been craving popsicles.
You know I have an enormous sweet tooth. And you also probably know by now I try to buy as little, if any, processed or prepared foods. Fortunately, we've been quite lucky to have found healthy alternatives to the "bad foods" we love such as ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats.
Our new favorite store-bought ice creams aren't even made with milk, but are dairy-free, if you can believe that. Tempt and Purely Decadent frozen desserts are absolutely divine, as well as pricey, but worth every penny.
As a self-described ice cream-aholic, I have also made plenty of homemade ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt this year. Several people have told me they were so inspired by these recipes, they even purchased an ice cream maker to make it at home with the kids.
Alas, finding a replacement for a healthy popsicle has not been as easy. So I figured I better start making them at home. A few weeks ago I went on ebay and bought popsicle molds. And they arrived last week.
Ahhhh...despite being from IKEA, they aren't the best quality popsicle molds, but they are fine to commence this new endeavor of mine. Once I become a pro popsicle maker, I'll get some better molds...but until then....
I did a little research on homemade popsicles and, honestly, I figured they were easy to make, but I had no idea it was this easy.
In fact, there was enough fresh fruit in the fridge to whip up some tropical fruit popsicles. I had some cut up peaches, a gorgeous mango and some organic Texas-grown blueberries and a few raspberries left from my birthday cake last week. Threw it all in the blender with a little plain yogurt and voila!
Whether you're a kid, have a few or just act like one, a homemade popsicle is a fabulous treat!
Speaking of kids, I just know that kids of all ages will have a blast coming up with new popsicle flavors such as:
To get you in the mood, I found a blog that lists 50 amazing homemade popsicle ideas. But if you come up with a great idea, please post a comment so we can try it, too!
Popsicles
The Cowgirl Gourmet
Print recipe
Makes 6 popsicles
The trick to homemade popsicles is to determine the amount each popsicle mold holds and then figure out how much liquid you're going to need to fill all your molds. For example, each of my popsicle molds hold 1/3 cup so I need 2 cups to fill my six molds.
With this, you can then begin to think creatively about what kind of popsicles you are going to make. Be sure and also make room in your freezer for the molds...
1/2 cup peaches and their juice, cut up
1/2 cup berries
1/2 mango, diced
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup plain organic yogurt
1-2 Tablespoons honey or sugar, or more to taste
Place all the ingredients in the blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, taste the puree to see if it needs a little honey or sugar. If it needs it, add 1 Tablespoon honey or sugar and taste again. Add another Tablespoon if desired. Puree the mixture for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is combined.
Carefully pour the liquid in each popsicle mold until it's about 3/4 full, set the sticks in place and put the molds in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until firmly set.
To remove pops, squeeze the sides of the mold, twisting them slightly, to displodge popsicle. If necessary, rinse the outside of the mold with hot water.
You know I have an enormous sweet tooth. And you also probably know by now I try to buy as little, if any, processed or prepared foods. Fortunately, we've been quite lucky to have found healthy alternatives to the "bad foods" we love such as ice cream, ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats.
Our new favorite store-bought ice creams aren't even made with milk, but are dairy-free, if you can believe that. Tempt and Purely Decadent frozen desserts are absolutely divine, as well as pricey, but worth every penny.
As a self-described ice cream-aholic, I have also made plenty of homemade ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt this year. Several people have told me they were so inspired by these recipes, they even purchased an ice cream maker to make it at home with the kids.
Alas, finding a replacement for a healthy popsicle has not been as easy. So I figured I better start making them at home. A few weeks ago I went on ebay and bought popsicle molds. And they arrived last week.
Ahhhh...despite being from IKEA, they aren't the best quality popsicle molds, but they are fine to commence this new endeavor of mine. Once I become a pro popsicle maker, I'll get some better molds...but until then....
I did a little research on homemade popsicles and, honestly, I figured they were easy to make, but I had no idea it was this easy.
In fact, there was enough fresh fruit in the fridge to whip up some tropical fruit popsicles. I had some cut up peaches, a gorgeous mango and some organic Texas-grown blueberries and a few raspberries left from my birthday cake last week. Threw it all in the blender with a little plain yogurt and voila!
Whether you're a kid, have a few or just act like one, a homemade popsicle is a fabulous treat!
Speaking of kids, I just know that kids of all ages will have a blast coming up with new popsicle flavors such as:
- chocolate
- watermelon
- honeydew and mint
- peaches and cream
- lime or lemon popsicles
- coffee with cream and sugar (or Truvia)
To get you in the mood, I found a blog that lists 50 amazing homemade popsicle ideas. But if you come up with a great idea, please post a comment so we can try it, too!
Popsicles
The Cowgirl Gourmet
Print recipe
Makes 6 popsicles
The trick to homemade popsicles is to determine the amount each popsicle mold holds and then figure out how much liquid you're going to need to fill all your molds. For example, each of my popsicle molds hold 1/3 cup so I need 2 cups to fill my six molds.
With this, you can then begin to think creatively about what kind of popsicles you are going to make. Be sure and also make room in your freezer for the molds...
1/2 cup peaches and their juice, cut up
1/2 cup berries
1/2 mango, diced
Zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup plain organic yogurt
1-2 Tablespoons honey or sugar, or more to taste
Place all the ingredients in the blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, taste the puree to see if it needs a little honey or sugar. If it needs it, add 1 Tablespoon honey or sugar and taste again. Add another Tablespoon if desired. Puree the mixture for another 30 seconds to ensure everything is combined.
Carefully pour the liquid in each popsicle mold until it's about 3/4 full, set the sticks in place and put the molds in the freezer for 3-4 hours or until firmly set.
To remove pops, squeeze the sides of the mold, twisting them slightly, to displodge popsicle. If necessary, rinse the outside of the mold with hot water.
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Comments
OMG -- everyone must try this recipe. It's outrageously good! I followed Heather's advice and went to Groomer's for fresh Hog Snapper. It is totally white and just about the best fish I've ever tasted. And YES, it only takes a minute or two for the lime to marinate the fish. I had to place a Ceviche 911 call to Heather just to make sure! Anyway, it made a great Friday night dinner. Thanks Heather! Next on my list are your Tuna Meatballs -- can't wait!
Stephanie Krueger