Marja Monette Milette | La parfaite maman imparfaite
Summer: the season I’ve been impatiently awaiting. For me, summer means freedom. It’s pretty much the only time of year when I feel okay about setting routines aside to fully enjoy the day (especially if it’s sunny) with my kids.
And one of the very best parts of summer is that I can pull out my popsicle recipes again. As soon as temperatures start to climb, I grab the molds out of the cupboard and get ready to make enough for an army. 😉
I wanted to share a few super quick recipes. They use minimal ingredients and are a sure hit with my kids.
Fruit Surprise Pops
I hate waste, and making popsicles is one of the best ways I’ve found to use up fruit that my family won’t give a second look. Once summer rolls around, I like to make sure I’ve always got a container of yogurt on hand to make this recipe.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups (500 ml) yogurt (plain, vanilla or Greek)*
- 2 cups (500 ml) fruit surprise: any leftover fruit you have (peaches, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi …)
- *If you’re using plain yogurt, I recommend adding 2-3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) of honey or maple syrup to cut the bitterness. You can also add pineapple juice (around 4 tablespoons (60 ml) or to taste).
For added protein and fibre, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chia seeds to the mix.
Preparation:
- Dice up the fruit. Or you can puree the fruit if you prefer. Then just add sugar (about ¼ cup (65 ml) for every 2 cups (500 ml) of fruit).
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to the molds.
- Place the molds in the freezer for at least 5 hours.
- Switch things up with different fruit pairings—you might be pleasantly surprised! Our favourite combos are strawberry/kiwi, mango/pineapple and peach/raspberry.
Lemonade Fieldberry Pops
This is probably one of our favourite recipes at the house, because I feel like nothing says summer like the taste of lemonade 😉 The combo of lemon and berry flavours is simply perfect. These frozen treats always seem to disappear in a flash!
Ingredients:
- 6 lemons
- 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
- 6 cups (1.5 l) cold water
- Fieldberries (raspberries, strawberries or blueberries)
Preparation
- In a small pot, mix 1 cup (250 ml) of water with the cup of sugar. Heat on medium until the sugar has completely dissolved (about 2-3 minutes). Let syrup cool to room temperature.
- In the meantime, juice the lemons.
- Combine the lemon juice with 5 cups (1.25 l) of cold water. Mix. Gradually stir in the syrup to the mixture. If you like your lemonade a bit sweeter, add all of the syrup, otherwise add to taste.
- If you want to use strawberries, cut them into thin slices. For other kinds of berries, you can add them directly to the molds.
- Fill the molds with the lemonade until ¾ full.
- Add the fruit.
- Place the molds in the freezer for at least 5 hours.
That’s it! I’m sure these recipes will be a big hit this summer!
And to wipe your hands a little sticky, you just need a sheet of paper towel a little wet! Have a great summer!