Snacks are better on sticks
Even though Summer is winding down, I still can't get enough of popsicles!
Rather than consume high fructose corn syrup, and who knows what else they put in store bought popsicles, I like to make my own.
The process is ridiculously simple, and the ingredients are few. But the results are chilly-good!
I made some last night, and took some pics while I was at it:
The Necessary Ingredients I used raspberries, because they – and blackberries – are on sale at Safeway right now. I use fat free vanilla yogurt as the binder. Any flavor would probably do, but I almost always have a big tub of vanilla in my fridge. Raspberries are a tad too tart for me, so I got the Splenda out too. Some milk: In this case, 1%. I got tired of buying fat free for me, and 2% for the rest of the family. 1% is the compromise. And of course, the popsicle mold. I got this one for about 3 bucks at Target. I've seen a similar one for about the same price at World Market. |
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Chop chop! The raspberries get a rough chop. |
Make some mash I put the berries in a bowl and added 4 tsp. of Splenda (I figured one teaspoon per popsicle). If artificial sweeteners aren't your thing, you could just as easily leave it out, substitute honey, or whatever you like. Then I mushed it all up with a potato masher. You could also do this in a food processor or blender. But I'm lazy, and don't feel like hauling out that gear, and washing it when I'm done. If you like a completely smooth texture, then you'll have to use some mechanized means. Next comes the yogurt. I added 3 heaping spoonfuls, but the amount is really up to you and how fruity or creamy you like yours. TIP! If you want to save a dish, do this step in a big liquid measuring cup. You'll see why later! |
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Ooh Pink! Next I mixed it all up, and added a splash of milk. The milk isn't really required, but it makes for a little less dense popsicle. It's also handy for extending the batch if you didn't have enough fruit or yogurt. |
Pour and Freeze I tried pouring from my bowl, but it was a mess! (Look at the one on the upper right). I ended up putting the mix in a measuring cup and pouring it from there. It was a much more tidy process this way. |
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 | Ah the sweet taste of success! |
Variations:
Other good fruits for popsicles are pineapple, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, melons, and bananas. You could even try more exotic fruits, like mangoes, kiwis, and papayas. Mix and match!
Some fruits don't pair well with yogurt or milk. In that case, use juice. It can be as simple as orange juice, or as unusual as pomegranate or pineapple-orange-banana juice! If you want to save some calories, use Crystal Light.
Have fun, and even get the kids in on the action. What kid wouldn't love mashing up fruit with their bare hands?
Comments
i love this idea. it was a hit at home.
Posted by: lizz | October 3, 2006 1:30 AM
Cool, glad your fam approved!
Try it with one ripe peach (peeled, pitted, and diced) and one ripe banana (sliced). Mash it all up, add a bit of yogurt and Splenda (this one needs less than the raspberries), and freeze.
I've been eyeballing pomegranate juice and thinking of combining it with rasberries. Hmmm...
Posted by: Korina | October 3, 2006 10:07 AM