I started making popsicles two summers ago because a) it's really hot in New York in the summer, b) I don't like most store bought popsicles and c) I had extra room in my freezer. I get requests for the recipes all the time, so I thought it was time to share some of my favourites. So here you go:
STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC YOGURT ETC...
*recipe makes 10 popsicles in these molds
Layer 1 STRAWBERRY & BALSAMIC VINEGAR PUREE
One carton of organic strawberries, cleaned and halved
1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 tbs of maple syrup* or honey
1 tsp ground black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and leave on counter or in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Mix frequently to evenly saturate the strawberries.
Lightly pulse the mixture in a blender, but don't over puree, you want to keep some pieces of strawberry for texture
Fill popsicle molds about 2" with mixture and place in freezer for 1 hour.
Layer 2 YOGURT & MAPLE SYRUP
1 cup plain yogurt, any kind you like
2 tbs of maple syrup*
1 tsp of cinnamon
Mix all together ingredients together and fill molds another 2", freeze for 1 hour **
Add the popsicle sticks about 1/2 hour into freezing this layer, this will help them stay in place
Layer 3 BLUEBERRY COCONUT WATER
One carton of fresh blueberries or one bag of frozen blueberries
Your favourite coconut water (any kind), I like Taste Nirvana Coconut WITH the pulp
Fill the molds to the tops with the blueberries, then pour in the coconut water to surround them and freeze for 2 hours or so.
To remove the popsicles, run the molds under the tap using cool or lukewarm water (not warm or hot), they should slide out easily
*the darker the better, and preferably from Quebec
**I usually leave the molds out between layers for about 20 min so the most recent layer melts a little and the flavours blend together. If you want really clean stripes, then fill as quickly as possible and put back into the freezer immediately
The truth is that you can't really make a mistake. Most fruits taste great together or with yogurt and as long as you avoid mild tastes (like flavoured waters, coffee or iced tea) you should be fine. More recipes coming soon, in the meantime enjoy!