DIY popsicles

On a warm summer day what's more refreshing than something cold? Ok maybe a dunk in the pool or ocean. Maybe a massage and a Mai Tai but these pops are right up there in easy, quick, do-it-yourself and healthy ideas!  

Try them out and then manipulate them to your own specifications, preferences, and predilections!

Coco Loco (Coconut milk-based)


1 13.5 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk


1 c. chopped pineapple


1 ripe banana, lightly chopped


1/2 tsp. ground cardamom


1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg


A few grinds of fresh black pepper


A few fresh mint leaves

The Deal:
Toss everything into a food processor or blender & puree until smooth (optionally, you can leave some chopped bits whole, if that’s your jam).
Pour into popsicle molds.
Freeze until solid.
Remove from molds (if necessary, run the molds for just a few seconds under hot water until they release) and enjoy!

Raspberry Creamsicle (Yogurt-based)


1 c. yogurt (we used Greek-style, which is thicker)


1 c. orange juice


1 c. raspberries (fresh or frozen)


1 tsp. vanilla extract


1/2 vanilla bean pod (scrape out seeds, or I just used 2 drops vanilla extract)


1 Tbsp. agave nectar or honey

The Deal:
Toss everything into a food processor or blender & puree until smooth (optionally, you can leave some chopped bits whole, if that’s your jam).
Pour into popsicle molds.
Freeze until solid.
Remove from molds (if necessary, run the molds for just a few seconds under hot water until they release) and enjoy!

Lemon-Lime Ginger Pop (Fruit juice-based)


Juice of 2 lemons and 2 limes


1/2 c. granulated sugar


2 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced


Water and ice

The Deal:
In a microwaveable container, place sugar and two cups of water. Heat for two minutes, stir, heat two additional minutes and then allow to sit for five minutes (alternately, you can make this simple syrup on the stove by gently heating the sugar and water together, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved).
Add several ice cubes to the container and place in the refrigerator to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Transfer contents to a larger container and add lemon and lime juices.
Add enough water to make a total of 4 cups of fruit juice mixture and stir.
-Pour into popsicle molds.
Freeze until solid.
Remove from molds (if necessary, run the molds for just a few seconds under hot water until they release) and enjoy!

Read more at Design*Sponge http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/06/small-measures-with-ashley-diy-popsicles.html#ixzz0pucTU6pe

Spotlight summer fruit: Cherries!

It's cherry season! Only during this time of year are the little fruits sweet and delectable. I'm a fan of them fresh--though they must be super tasty or they're not worth eating in my opinion. However you like them cherries have a list of health benefits. They are a great food from the red food group. Read on for nutritional facts, and a few recipes (however, I am not attesting to the deliciousness of the recipes because as I said, I like my cherries fresh and raw!).