by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - Copyright July, 2012
Tupperware popsicle molds
A specialty popsicle mold, but almost any kind will do!
How would you like ten combinations for nutritious and delicious fruity frozen treats (with no sugar) in the form of popsicles to make with your family for a hot summer day?
Of course, you can make these the quickest way by completely blending the fruit in a blender with juice, water, or milk, and simply pour into popsicle molds.
But instead of the above method that I've always used before, I wanted to make a summer treat that would show off the beautiful colors, shapes and designs in a fruit combination. First I gathered together a variety of fruit, such as kiwi, oranges, cherries, grapes, strawberries, bananas, peaches, mango, blueberries, crushed or pineapple tidbits as well as apricots. The pineapples and apricots could be fresh or canned in their own juice.
For spectacular texture, color and design, you can use a kiwi slice, a wedge of an orange slice, a jeweled strawberry slice, pineapple tidbits, halves of cherries or grapes, or small chunks of banana. The secret is to place the fruit along the sides of a popsicle mold, so it will be visible when removed from the mold. Kiwi and strawberry slices especially add a great look.
Why not have the children (of all ages - teens included) help assemble these individualized popsicles! You only need about two or three different fruits per popsicle, and they can all be a little different. That's the beauty of it. Another option would be to make a different version each week. The most difficult part of this activity will be waiting for them to freeze!
Strawberry Kiwi Pops
Put strawberries and milk (or coconut milk or yogurt) in the blender and add a little stevia for sweetener. Place one or two kiwi slices along the edge of a popsicle mold. Place halves of seeded cherries along the edge, and stick in a few pieces of a peach or pineapple if there is enough room. Slowly spoon the strawberry mixture into the mold, making sure the fruit is clinging to the sides. Slip a knife down into the mold to remove any air bubbles.
Strawberry Blueberry Pops
Place strawberry slices along the sides of a popsicle mold. Puree blueberries with milk, coconut milk, or vanilla yogurt, and a little stevia. Spoon the blueberry mixture into the popsicle mold, making sure the strawberry slices are clinging to the sides. Slip a knife down into the mold to remove any air bubbles.
Cherry Yogurt Pops
Pit and halve several bing cherries and place them along the sides of a popsicle mold. Spoon in vanilla or cherry yogurt.
Orange Pineapple Kiwi Pops
Place peeled orange slice wedges or chunks along the sides of a popsicle mold. Slip in a kiwi slice or two for extra color and design. Spoon in canned crushed pineapple in its own juice until the mold is filled. Another option would be to make a puree of pineapple in its own juice to spoon into the mold.
Peachy Pineapple Pops
Place chunks of peach along the sides of a popsicle mold. Fill up the mold with canned crushed pineapple in its own juice. Another option would be to make a puree of pineapple in its own juice to spoon into the mold.
Kiwi Banana Apricot Pops
Place slices of kiwi and banana along the sides of a popsicle mold. Spoon in chopped canned apricot in its own juice until filled. Another option would be to make a puree of apricot in its own juice to spoon into the mold.
Strawberry Vanilla Pops
Place several slices of red ripe strawberries along the sides of a popsicle mold. Spoon in vanilla yogurt around the strawberries.
Creamy Grape Pops
Cut grapes in half and place along the side of the popsicle mold. Blend vanilla yogurt with a little grape juice, and slowly pour into the popsicle mold.
Kiwi Mango Pineapple Pops
Place several slices of kiwi along the sides of the popsicle mold. Place chopped mango along the sides as well. Spoon in crushed pineapples with pineapple juice.
Patriotic Pops
Place strawberry slices along the sides of the mold. Puree blueberries with vanilla yogurt. Spoon a little blueberry mixture into the popsicle mold. Then spoon in some vanilla yogurt, making sure the strawberry slices are clinging to the sides.
As you can see, this is a very versatile way to make healthy and beautiful popsicles. The possibilities are unlimited! I'm sure your family will come up with even more winning combinations.
Popsicle Tips:
To release the frozen goodness inside the mold, run warm water over the bottom and sides.
A coffee filter or baking liner is perfect for slipping the popsicle stick through to prevent tasty drips from settling on clothing being worn by the "licker."
How to Remove Berry Stains:
If you do find berry stains on clothing, boil some water in your tea kettle. Lay out the stained clothing flat in the sink. Then holding the tea kettle about two feet above the stain, slowly pour a steam of boiling water on the stain, and watch the berry stain disappear like magic!
Tupperware popsicle molds
A specialty popsicle mold, but almost any kind will do!
