Summer treks on with its humidity, high temperatures, and sweltering afternoons and what better way to cool down than with a chilled treat from farmers markets. Beyond a diversity of produce, markets are stocked with refreshing treats and ingredients to make your own at home. Whether you’re having trouble getting your kids to eat more fruit, or simply just want a healthy and delicious way to cool down these long and hot summer days, popsicles are the perfect way to use any extra fruit.
Just about any summer fruit will make a great frozen treat, either alone or in combination. We’re thinking about peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberries (before they’re gone!), and blackberries, all of which you’ll find in abundance at markets right now. Simply puree your fruit and pour it into a popsicle mold to freeze—or add a bit of sweetener (local honey is great!) and lemon or lime juice to balance out the flavor. If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and popsicle sticks—placing foil over the cup before putting in the popsicle stick will help it freeze upright.
Straining your puree through a fine mesh sieve gives you a smoother popsicle. Try leaving some whole chunks or slices of fruit along with the juice/puree, or create colorful layers by freezing different flavors incrementally. Summer herbs like mint, basil, or lemon verbena make great add-ins. Using a base of yogurt or coconut milk with fruit swirled in will give you a creamier result. Soaking chia seeds in milk or fruit puree lends a pudding-like texture and packs in some protein…