Talk About Popsicles

Hello, my name is, J.J. and I am a sugaraholic.  In this struggle to loose weight, I have to fight serious cravings for sweets.  I love deserts of all kinds. With it being full swing into the summer months here in the US, my biggest craving is for ice cream.  The thing is, ice cream, as we well know, isn't very healthy eating friendly.  Oh what could I have that is cold and sweet to cure this insane craving...Popsicles! I could make my own and save myself from added sugar and extra calories. With popsicles on the brain, this mad scientist has been in the kitchen experimenting and concocting for your taste buds pleasure.  

If you plan on making popsicles all summer long, spending a few bucks on a mold will pay for itself in no time. They are very reasonable on Amazon. (Zoku makes wonderful molds!) Paper drinking cups, empty (clean) yogurt containers, and standard ice cube trays will also work in a heartbeat. If you are using a mold without a lid, insert sticks into pops when they are partially frozen, about 1 hour after they go into the freezer, and then freeze until solid. If your mold doesn’t have built-in sticks, definitely purchase some up. It wouldn’t be a popsicle without a stick, now would it?  If you want to make popsicles with fruit puree, make sure you have either a standard or an immersion blender on hand.  It makes everything so much easier! 

You really don’t need a recipe. Playing with flavor combinations is fun, and it’s perfectly okay to just go by taste combinations you like. Pick your favorite fresh pureed fruit and add water, coconut water, fruit juice, or yogurt for an extra serving of protein. Want a pop with a bit more to bite into? Slice up fresh fruit and top with a refreshing liquid, like white grape juice, lemonade, or coconut water. Dilute fruit juice with water for a lower calorie pops. Any fruit will do: grapes, kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, or simply toss in a 5 to 6 whole berries—blackberries, blueberries and strawberries all taste great with lightened up lemonade. It is just a matter of what ever suits your taste. Not only are they cool looking, but, layered popsicles bring out the best of every flavor when you’re combining more than one. To layer, simply freeze them in stages!

Here are some great combos to get you started and the creative juices flowing...pun intended! Let me know what you come up with! I'm always looking for great ideas!

• Blueberries + Fresh Lemon Juice + Vanilla Greek Yogurt

  

  Pineapple Juice + Coconut Water + Lime

• Banana + Mango + Coconut Water
• Strawberry + Blood Orange Juice
• Avocado + Lime + Banana + Water
• Pineapple Juice + Coconut Water + lime (adult version? add a little rum!)
• Blackberry Puree + Raspberry Puree + Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• Watermelon Puree + Whole Blueberries