The South tends to hit higher temperatures a little earlier in the year, so it is officially summer down here with 90 degree days as a normalcy. When the thermometer rises, we're always looking for a nice way to cool off.
Lately, the guy and I have really been loving some fruit popsicles. However, we've had a really difficult time trying to find ones that taste good and are dietitian approved ;) This search persuaded us to give making our own a try.
The first step was finding a popsicle mold. Being my father's daughter, I like to research items before I buy. And being related to my sister, I use Amazon Prime for EVERYTHING! My first thought was to use silicone molds as I have had success using silicone baking dishes. However, the reviews for the silicone popsicle molds didn't wow me. Most of the criticisms were involving leakage of the caps and difficulty freezing properly without a stand. My next way of thinking was BPA-free plastic molds. I found a good option, with excellent reviews and it's own stand! Added to the cart and TA-DA a day later the molds had arrived.
http://www.amazon.com/Ozera-Ice-Molds-Maker-Green/dp/B00J93MQ6U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1401974527&sr=8-5&keywords=popsicle+molds
Lately, the guy and I have really been loving some fruit popsicles. However, we've had a really difficult time trying to find ones that taste good and are dietitian approved ;) This search persuaded us to give making our own a try.
The first step was finding a popsicle mold. Being my father's daughter, I like to research items before I buy. And being related to my sister, I use Amazon Prime for EVERYTHING! My first thought was to use silicone molds as I have had success using silicone baking dishes. However, the reviews for the silicone popsicle molds didn't wow me. Most of the criticisms were involving leakage of the caps and difficulty freezing properly without a stand. My next way of thinking was BPA-free plastic molds. I found a good option, with excellent reviews and it's own stand! Added to the cart and TA-DA a day later the molds had arrived.
http://www.amazon.com/Ozera-Ice-Molds-Maker-Green/dp/B00J93MQ6U/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1401974527&sr=8-5&keywords=popsicle+molds
The next step was deciding exactly how to make these popsicles. I heard that only using water typically makes the popsicles too hard (which makes sense as frozen water is ice and ice is hard). After peaking around the fridge I decided on orange juice as my main liquid. Now since large quantities of juice isn't on the top of my dietitian list (see below the "Juicy Details on Juicing"), I did cut it with some water. I also had some frozen mixed fruit (pineapple, mangos, peaches, strawberries) which seemed like a great option for popsicles.
From a dietitian standpoint, frozen fruit can be a great alternative to fresh fruit if desired. Frozen fruit typically holds the same nutrients as fresh fruit and can sometimes have more nutrients if the fresh fruit is out of season. Frozen fruit can also be a great option if you have a hard time eating fresh fruit before it spoils.
From a dietitian standpoint, frozen fruit can be a great alternative to fresh fruit if desired. Frozen fruit typically holds the same nutrients as fresh fruit and can sometimes have more nutrients if the fresh fruit is out of season. Frozen fruit can also be a great option if you have a hard time eating fresh fruit before it spoils.
I used the bullet to blend the frozen fruit and OJ/water to the desired consistency. The mixture needs to be easy enough to pour, but not too thin. Very similar to a smoothie consistency.
The mixture was then poured into the molds and placed in the stand. I will say that the stand did make the whole process a lot easier as it was simpler to fit into the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours and you have delicious, homemade popsicles.
As this was my first time (in a long time) making popsicles, I chose a very easy recipe. In my future popsicle making endeavors, I plan to add some vegetables to the mixture (kale, spinach, carrots) and even some chia seeds or flax seed. Stay tuned for more sweet treat recipes!