FRESH FRUIT POPSICLES

Ah, summer. That magical season when kids have endless energy, and we parents are just trying to stay cool (and sane). What’s better on a blazing hot day than a popsicle? A homemade one, of course! Skip the artificial colors, mystery ingredients, and sugar overload from store-bought popsicles, and let’s whip up some healthy, fresh fruit popsicles your kids will love. Bonus: these are ridiculously easy and double as a fun family activity.

Popsicle-Making, Simplified

Let’s break this down, step by step. No Pinterest-perfect skills required, I promise.

1. Prep Your Fruit: Think strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or even kiwi. Wash them, pat them dry, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Or just let your toddler “help” and embrace the chaos of uneven chunks.
2. Fill Your Molds: Grab those trusty popsicle molds. Layer in your fruit. No rhyme or reason here—this is meant to look rustic (aka whatever happens, happens).
3. Add Coconut Water: Pour coconut water over the fruit until the molds are filled. This is where the magic happens—it’s refreshing and subtly sweet, like a little tropical vacation in a stick.
4. Popsicle Sticks: Pop in the sticks. A gentle nudge to keep them upright is all you need.
5. Freeze and Forget: Stick those molds in the freezer, wait 4–6 hours, and voila—summertime happiness on a stick.

Star Players: Fruits That Shine

Here’s the lineup of fruity MVPs:

• Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and basically summer in berry form.
• Blueberries: Tiny, mighty, and antioxidant-packed.
• Mango: Because who doesn’t love a tropical twist?
• Watermelon: Hydration meets deliciousness.
• Kiwi: Adds a zesty kick and some major visual flair.

Mix, match, and let the kids get creative (read: make a mess you’ll clean up later).

Recipe Spotlight: Rainbow Popsicles

Want to go all out? Try these colorful, crowd-pleasing beauties.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries (chopped)
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup kiwi (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup mango (diced)
• 1 cup watermelon (cubed)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional—skip if your kids are under one!)

Directions:

1. Blend each fruit into a separate puree.
2. Pour the purees into molds, layering to create a rainbow effect.
3. Freeze for 4–6 hours.
4. Serve, then bask in your status as the coolest parent ever.

Why Homemade Popsicles Rock

1. You Control the Ingredients: Fresh fruit, coconut water, and zero artificial nonsense.
2. Adaptable for Allergies: Gluten-free? Dairy-free? No problem.
3. Hydration Hero: A sneaky way to keep the kiddos hydrated in the heat.
4. Bonding Time: Popsicle-making = memories in the making.

So grab your popsicle molds, raid the fruit drawer, and let the summer fun begin. Who knew something this simple could be such a hit? Cheers to sticky fingers, happy kids, and treats you can feel good about! 🍓🍍✨

*DO NOT serve honey to children under the age of ONE.