HOMEMADE POPSICLE RECIPES

Summer is upon us. The hammock is strung. The crickets are singing. It's hot and sticky all the time, and fresh summer fruits are rolling in from the farmers market. Wouldn't it be great to transform some of that sweet bounty into homemade frozen treats?

From a sustainability perspective, there are lots of advantages to making your own popsicles. First and foremost, there's the ability to use locally grown, seasonal fruit in your icy confections. Anything from the first little strawberries to the last gargantuan watermelon is fair game. Most homemade popsicles can be made without added sugar: another benefit. The three recipes here contain nothing but fruit, herbs, and juice. For added ecological benefit, popsicles can be made in reusable plastic molds rather than the paper cups used here.

Supplies & Equipment:

1 blender

1 freezer

3 oz paper cups

plastic wrap

rubber bands (optional)

Popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks (check your local craft store for these!)

Fresh fruit (see recipes at the bottom of the page).

Method:

Combine your desired fruits, juices, and/or fresh herbs in a blender, and whirl until smooth. Divide evenly among paper cups. Wrap each cup tightly with plastic wrap, using a rubber band to secure if necessary. Poke your popsicle or lollipop stick through the plastic to the bottom of the cup. The plastic will hold the stick upright as it freezes. Slide your finished popsicles into the freezer for 4 hours or more. Once frozen, use scissors to cut away the paper cup. Serve immediately. Enjoy and smile.

Strawberry-Banana pops ready to go into the freezer.

Recipes

For the Kids: Strawberry Banana Pops

Makes twelve.

3 medium bananas, peeled and cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups medium strawberries (cut larger ones into chunks)
3/4 cup orange juice

For Adults: Honeydew Mint Pops

Makes twelve.

6 cups honeydew melon, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tsp minced fresh mint

Note: for this recipe, I added the mint after I'd put the melon through the blender. This way, the pops turned out flecked with mint, which is prettier, I think, than if I'd just put everything in the blender.

For the Adventurous: Tamarind Ginger Pops

Makes twelve.

3 cups orange juice
4 tsp tamarind concentrate (check the Indian foods area of a well-stocked grocery store).
2 tsp grated fresh ginger

For all three recipes, just follow the directions listed above under "Method." Feel free to try your own combinations, as well!

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