For some mom’s, the summer can’t seem to end fast enough, while for others – like me – can’t seem to understand how it is almost over so soon.
To make the most of the last remaining weeks of summer I have been wanting to get all “summery” by making my own popsicle treats.
Growing up we use to sell popsicles called Kool-a-pops at our house so I should be an expert on this subject. Kids would come knocking and for $0.50 they would get a sweet treat made out of kool-aid, jello and lots and lots of sugar! Well those days are long gone but thinking back now as a mother we really should be more cautious with how much sugar our kids are consuming.
Even when you buy “all-fruit” frozen fruit bars at the store, the sugar content is extremely high. The taste-buds of consumers these days are pretty dramatic and because when frozen, sugar is dulled, manufacturers need to use even more sugar to get their product to a “tasty level”, cost effectively.
Well, we don’t have to feel guilty anymore, because with a little bit of time and love, here is how you can make your own popsicles at home that are close to store bought quality. Even if your kid wants to eat 2 or 3 popsicles a day, it’s not so bad.
Strawberry Orange Juice Pops
Ingredients:
1 – pack of strawberry jello – regular
1 – cups of apple juice
1 – cup of orange juice
1 – 1.5 cups of strawberry puree
12 popsicle sticks
Popsicle making tray / cups
To make strawberry puree:
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries + 1/4 cup of honey.
Instructions:
Stir all liquids together in a blender with the jello and pour into popsicle trays or cups. Put into freezer, add popsicle sticks, & freeze until ready to enjoy!
Variations:
You can add real fresh fruit bits before freezing.
You can try a variety of fruit combos.
Try freezing 1 layer at a time with differnt fruit flavors to get a rainbow popsicle.
TIPs:
1) The secret recipe to a crunchy, flakey popsicle is the jello. Freezing juice by itself will create a ice-hard popsicle that will be hard to eat. If the popsicle turns out too hard, try less water when making the jello.
2) To insert the popsicle stick so that it doesn’t fall over, insert when popiscles are half way frozen so that the top layer (which will freeze first) can hold the sticks in place.
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