Homemade Popsicles

It's getting warmer out and I know it's only a matter of time before I hear the annoying sounds of the ice cream truck. As a kid, I loved the novelty of getting a popsicle or ice cream pop right in my front yard and would listen for it. My kids are no different. However, now that I'm paying for it, I understand why I didn't get one every time the truck came around. I don't want to pay $3 or $4 for a Sponge Bob popsicle.

To ward off the "Mom, do you hear that?" or "Mom, can we get..." when the somewhat shady looking truck comes around, we made our own. We started off last year with star shaped molds and some of the classic rounded top ones my mom gave me from when I was a kid. The kids got to go to the truck a couple times during the summer, but most of the time they could easily be convinced to eat the ones they helped make (aka dumped the ingredients in and taste-tested). This year I found some really fun popsicle molds: rocket ships, ring pops, and even bugs!

So far I have two different recipes, but I want to try out more. For both of these, you will need a blender.

Fruit-tastic Popsicles

    You will need:

• 1 cup key lime yogurt
• 1 banana (if your kids are not big banana lovers, try a 1/2 banana, since the popsicle ends up tasting strongly of banana)
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 cup strawberries,  tops removed
• 1 kiwi, peeled
• 1 cup 100% Fruit Juice (No Sugar Added)

 
    Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth. 
2. Pour into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze until set. (About 2 1/2 hours).

HINT: The popsicles sometimes need help getting out of the molds, so run warm water over the plastic until you see it detach.



Hidden Veggies
My kids helped put all the ingredients in, so they knew what was in these. However, if you have a picky eater, you can blend the juice and carrots together before they help. You really only taste the fruit!
These made 16 popsicles (4 rounded top, 4 rocket, and 8 star).

    You will need:

• (1) 5.5 oz can V8 juice
• (6) baby carrots
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 apple
• 20 strawberries, tops removed
• (1) 6 oz container vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 d'anjou pear, peeled

    Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze until set. (About 2 1/2 hours). 

HINT: The popsicles sometimes need help getting out of the molds, so run warm water over the plastic until you see it detach.

Popsicle Mess. Oldest tried to put the lid on by
himself and ended up knocking them over and
spilling the liquid out. Youngest helped clean up.