Time for a Tasty Treat

The heat of summer requires cool desserts. We're talking ice cream, ice pops, yogurt, sorbet...all the good stuff! But why spend money on things like sugary ice pops when you can make a yummier, healthier version at home? We have just a few of the easiest versions of ice pops you can make at home this summer that you and your kids will love for less cost and less unhealthy stuff. It's time for a tasty treat!

Creamy Strawberry-Coconut Ice Pops
3 cups coconut milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cup honey
1 cup strawberries
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup finely shredded toasted coconut

In blender, process coconut milk, vanilla extract and honey to combine; divide mixture evenly among six ½ cup popsicle molds. Clean & hull strawberries, then thinly slice lengthwise. Drop half the strawberry slice and half the blueberries into popsicle molds. Freeze 1 hr., then drop in remaining strawberry slices & blueberries. Freeze 1 hr. more. Sprinkle shredded coconut onto ends of ice pops. Return to freezer for 2 hrs. more or until frozen through.

Red, White & Blueberry Pops
2 cups halved hulled strawberries
6 tbs. sugar, divided
5 tbs. lime juice, divided
½ cup full-fat plain yogurt
3 tbs. heavy cream
2 cups blueberries

In a blender, combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice. Puree, scraping down sides as needed. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Divide puree among six 4-ounce or eight 3-ounce ice-pop molds. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Combine yogurt, cream, and 2 tablespoons each sugar and lime juice. Remove molds from freezer and top with yogurt mixture; insert ice-pop sticks. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

In clean blender, puree blueberries, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice. Pour through clean sieve into a bowl, pressing on solids; discard solids. Remove molds from freezer and top with blueberry puree. Freeze until solid, 6 hours more.

Vanilla Greek Yogurt Funfetti Popsicles
2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
½ cup vanilla almond milk
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

Combine the yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Once mixture is smooth, stir in sprinkles. Immediately transfer mixture to the popsicle mold. Leave a little room at the top of each popsicle to allow for expansion when they freeze. Insert popsicle sticks and then freeze for at least 6 hours.

Fruit'n'Yogurt Swirl Pops
1 lb. fresh or frozen fruit
2 tbs. granulated sugar (only if using fresh fruit)
2 cup vanilla yogurt

Using a food processor, purée the fruit (and sugar, if using fresh fruit) until smooth. Pour into a resealable bag or squeeze bottle. Spoon the yogurt into a resealable bag or squeeze bottle. If using resealable bags, snip off a corner from each. Alternately squeeze the yogurt and purée into the molds to create swirls. Insert sticks according to directions and freeze overnight.

These are just a handful of the amazing ice pop recipes that are available for you to try this summer! (We suggest trying them ALL at least once). From adult-only versions to classics like fudge pops, you can make it at home easily. Go experiment this summer and give your tastebuds a treat!