There are many reasons why making popsicles is a lot more fun than buying them. One, you can use whatever ingredients you have handy, meaning extra summer fruit from the farmer’s market or backyard, like berries, watermelons, or peaches, needn’t go to waste. Two, you can make them organic, additive-free, and healthy yet tasty, while spending a lot less. Third, you can spike them with booze, something you’re not likely to find in a store. Not for the kids of course, but for a patio party or a barbecue, a popsicle with a little kick can’t be beat.
From simple to extravagant, anything that’s a semi-liquid can be made into a popsicle. You might have to experiment with various molds, as quality and ease of use certainly do vary, but most houseware and kitchen outlets stock them. Or just freeze the liquid in ice-cube trays or paper cups and insert a toothpick.
All-Age Popsicles
Most of the fruit in the following recipes is in season during the summer, and the fresher the fruit, the better the pop.
Peaches n’ Cream
Two ripe peaches or nectarines, peeled and sliced
1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup milk
Put all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until just mixed. Pour into molds and freeze for about two hours. Insert sticks and freeze overnight or until firm.
Berry Bonanza
You can use any berries in this pop; cherries, blueberries, and gooseberries all work well. Carrot juice also makes for a natural sweetener that adds a creamy texture.
Handful of strawberries
Handful of raspberries
Handful of blackberries
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Splash of carrot juice or water
Sugar, if desired, to taste
Blend berries with lemon juice and carrot juice or water until well mixed, about a minute. Blend in sugar, if using. Pour into molds and freeze for about three hours then insert popsicle sticks. Freeze overnight.
Cooling Watermelon
A large watermelon, with its high water content, can make a slew of popsicles. You can simply blend up watermelon and freeze in molds, or add a bit of sugar, lime, and mint to add a refreshing twist. Honeydew, cantaloupe, or musk melon, or a mixture of all three, work great too.
