Feelin’ hot, hot, hot? It’s summer, so embrace the heat. If you live in the East, you know you have to because winter isn’t fun. But you guys on the West Coast, with your scaled-down version of “winter,” should also appreciate the warmer weather.
While summer is mostly about throwing your meats on the grill and enjoying the patio, it’s also about grabbing a popsicle to cool your system. But—and I know I’ll be accused of sounding like a mom here—they have so much sugar! I may not have kids, but my grown-up palate wants something that’s not only refreshing, but that also uses real ingredients. So let’s take a look at some of the best popsicle recipes you’ll ever find.
This first one might be a bit too healthy, but hear me out. It’s hot and you can easily get dehydrated, whether you’re working on a tan or playing beach volleyball. And when you are having fun, the impact of dehydration can hit when you least expect it. That’s why I love Rehydrating Electrolyte Popsicles from Raising Generation Nourished. A quick energy and mineral shot from some local raw honey and an electrolyte-balancing boost from some sea salt are all you need to refresh your system in the heat. And these are much more natural than store-bought electrolyte drinks or snacks. Lemon not only tastes amazing, but it nourishes the body with vitamin C. I love that these inlcude some lemon zest so that this hydrating popsicle also looks pretty. If you want to replicate this touch, check out the Vacu Vin Citrus Grater with Zester.
Wholesome Fudgesicles!
Fudgsicles are my favourite summer treat. They satisfy my chocolate craving, but don’t kill my daily calorie intake. That all changed when I discovered this amazing Nutella Fudge Pop recipe from The Wholesome Dish. OMG! I don’t need to say anything more when Nutella shows up.
Ingredients:
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Directions
Add the milk and corn starch to a small sauce pot. Stir until corn starch is dissolved.
Place over medium heat. Add the Nutella and cocoa powder to the pot.
Stir often to prevent the Nutella from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Heat just until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). You do not need to bring this to a boil for it to thicken.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir the vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the chocolate mixture into popsicle molds. Insert popsicle sticks according to your popsicle mold directions. Freeze for at least 6 hours. When ready to eat, hold the popsicle mold under warm running water to remove the fudgesicle.
Fast and fun popsicles
Fruity popsicles are always a hit with kids and adults. They are even better when you can make them yourself. Use the Zoku Quick Pop and you can add ingrediants, freeze them and be enjoying the “fruits” of your labour, literally, in minutes.
And for the adults, you can make them as quickly as you would a nice margarita or Tom Collins—and include a little bit of alcohol for summer refreshing fun. I’m definitely going to make these Spicy Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops, which look dangerous but amazing. I think adding cayenne pepper might scare people off, but it’ll definitely wake up their sinuses. That being said, someone recommended using cinnamon instead of cayenne. I’ve never tried this, but if you have, let me know how it went in the comments.
| Ingredients: 1/3cup sugar 1/3cup fresh lime juice 1 seedless watermelon, chopped (about 4 1/2 cups) 1/4cup tequilaPinch of cayenne pepper |
Directions
- Blend the sugar and lime juice in a blender until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the watermelon, tequila, and cayenne. Puree until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into 10 3-ounce or 8 4-ounce ice pop molds, dividing evenly. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours or overnight.
What’s your favorite ice pop recipe?
