There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day than an icy cold popsicle. But while refreshing, store-bought popsicles may not
be a particularly healthy treat to offer your child. If you read the labels, you’ll notice that many popsicles contain high fructose corn syrup, chemicals and food dyes. More manufacturers are using fruit juice in their popsicles, but it often represents only a small portion of the total ingredients. Fruit bars offer a healthier option, but may also contain preservatives and food coloring.
To ensure your children receive a healthy snack, make your own pops. Homemade popsicles have come a long way since your childhood when Kool-Aid was the favored ingredient. Today, moms are freezing delicious concoctions of real fruit juice, pureed fresh fruit, and low-fat fruit and yogurt smoothies into summer treats that are as nutritious as they are tasty. Tovolo molds (sold online and at kitchen stores) even let you make store-like pops shaped like stars and rockets. Molds are easy to use and give homemade pops professional flair, but your popsicles will taste just as good if you make them in small cups.
Let the kids help and use these tips to make delicious homemade popsicles:
- Plastic cups are easier to unmold than paper.
- Blend fruit and smoothie mixtures until smooth and creamy before molding.
- If mixture is thick, add sticks immediately; otherwise, freeze liquid pops for 20 to 30 minutes until they begin to thicken before adding sticks.
- To unmold popsicles, run mold under warm water until pop loosens.
At Horizon Education Centers, we provide your child with nutritious, delicious snacks.
Photo Credit: ilovememphis
