Picture this…

…ice-cold lemonade,

lounging by the pool and, of course,

eating a popsicle before it melts all over your hand!

Pure summertime bliss!

But let’s be real – most store-bought popsicles are little more than sugar and artificial colors.

Take a look at the ingredients we found on a box at our local store:

Water, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sugar…

Yikes!  When even the colors are fake, it’s time to rethink our treats.

If you haven’t really paid attention to this before, you are probably not alone.  We don’t want to burst that “summertime bliss” bubble, so know that all hope is not lost.  You can easily make your own popsicles that the kids (and adults) will love!

Why Make Popsicles at Home?

There are many benefits to making your own frozen treats:

• Tastes better – especially with ripe, fresh fruit.
• Healthier – you control exactly what goes in.
• Creates memories – kids love helping to stir, freeze, and taste!

And all you need are molds (or small cups), sticks, a blender or food processor, and a few REAL ingredients.

Quick Tips for Homemade Popsicles:

• Use ripe fruit for maximum flavor.
• Layering made easy – if you are making layered popsicles, freeze each layer for about 30 minutes, and then add the stick when freezing the final layer.
• No fancy molds required!  Popsicle molds are inexpensive, and you can find them at most grocery stores this time of year.  If you don’t have any, no worries.  Paper or glass cups work great.
• Stick trick – let the mixture freeze for 30 minutes before inserting sticks to keep them upright.
• Easy enjoyment!  If you use paper cups, they should just tear away from the frozen popsicle.  If you use plastic or glass, you may need to run them under some warm water (not hot) for about 10-20 seconds to release.
• Don’t overfill your molds or cups — you don’t want a sticky mess in your freezer!
• Freeze solid – depending on the temperature of your freezer, they usually take 3-5 hours to completely freeze.

Try a few of these amazing flavor combinations!

Dipped Chocolate Banana:  do you remember chocolate pudding pops?!  This version will definitely satisfy a chocolate craving.  The hardened chocolate is so much fun and adding chopped nuts give them a great crunch!

Berry Banana:  keep it as simple as strawberry and banana, or amp it up with blueberries, coconut, or nuts for a little more flavor and texture!

Tropical Chile Lime:  a popsicle with a kick?  This one has a fresh tropical flavor thanks to the mango and pineapple, and then leaves you with a surprise kick of cayenne – delicious!

Smoothie pops!  Turn any smoothie into a frozen delight – we love the Super Pink Berry!

Patriotic popsicle!  As the 4th of July quickly approaches, try these festive Red, White and Blueberry popsicles.  We did a taste-test with the kids and these got great reviews!  “Much better flavor than the store-bought ones…plus, they look cool!”

Get Creative!

• Mix Greek yogurt with soy, almond, or coconut milk for creaminess.
• Sweeten to taste with pure maple syrup or honey.  If your fruit is naturally sweet, you may not need much additional sweetener.
• Less waste!  Don’t throw out the bananas that are going soft.  Freeze them (peel before freezing), and blend with cocoa powder and vanilla extract and turn them into chocolate banana popsicles!  Or better yet, clean out the refrigerator and see what flavor combinations inspire you.  If you have yogurt, oranges and kiwi that need to be used, go for it!
• Combine seasonal flavors such as watermelon + mint, peach + lavender, or cucumber + mint.  You might even consider tomato and basil – yes, savory popsicles are great too!
• Write it Down!  Keep a taste journal to capture your unique creations.  Once you nail a combo everyone loves, you will thank yourself for writing it down.

A Quick Fun Fact!

Did you know the popsicle was invented by accident?  And was invented by an 11-year old?!  In 1905, Frank Epperson accidentally left a cup of soda and a stirring stick on his porch overnight.  The next morning, it had frozen – and the idea of a frozen treat on a stick was born.  He called it the “Epsicle,” which his kids later renamed the “Popsicle!”

Just think – what started as an accident is now a classic summer tradition.  And it’s even better when made with REAL ingredients!

We hope these ideas inspire you to enjoy a healthy homemade frozen treat.  Whether you’re cooling off after a hot day or need a healthy dessert that doesn’t feel “healthy,” popsicles made with REAL ingredients are ideal!

As an added bonus, it’s a fun way to get the kids in the kitchen.  So, grab your blender, raid your fruit drawer, and get creative.  Your freezer – and your taste buds – will thank you!

Please share your ideas (and photos too)!

We would love for other Eat REAL America members to hear about and see your unique creations!