Homemade Popsicles a Cool Summer Treat

The summer heat has been steady over the past several weeks, but I’m not complaining. Ditto for when I was a kid during the “dog days” of summer when the sweltering weather was often at its peak.

Back then, helping us through the high temps were a variety of frozen treats, with some squeezed through a plastic sleeve, while others were served on a stick. I often preferred the latter, as you seemed to get more of the good stuff (like sugar and food dye) in this handy format.

Fast forward a few decades, and I’m more particular about what my kids consume. Not that the occasional sugary treat is a problem, but I’d like to provide options – like homemade popsicles – that are more under my control in terms of ingredients.

You can start with a few of your favourite fruits and fruit juices, add some yogurt for a little creaminess, and even sneak in a few veggies! (When blended in, who will know?)

Here are some great combinations:

• Strawberry, mint, and lime juice
• Strawberry, banana, mango, and lemon juice
• Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries with orange juice 

And there is a wealth of recipes online with more conventional choices like fresh fruit and yogurt, and some offbeat options like avocado-lime popsicles. On that note, keep in mind that these don’t have to be just for the kids!

Stay cool, stay safe – and enjoy the rest of the summer.

— Neil