Popsicles and summertime are the perfect pair. I cannot remember a summertime memory that didn’t include lots of popsicles growing up. Warm summer days where we played outside all day and then came home to an ice cold popsicle with a few extra tan lines was just the best. We definitely did not grow up with homemade popsicles however, but did have a freezer stocked with the push up kind that come in plastic and about 100 to a pack (and I bet you did too!) And while I still to this day love those pops, I love making homemade popsicles as well. You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to make your own popsicles and honestly you can make them whatever flavor and ingredients that you prefer and have on hand. This recipe for vanilla cantaloupe popsicles has quickly become a new favorite around our house and couldn’t be any easier to make.
Okay so I just realized that all of my last recipes have been all about fruit. I guess that's because the heat index in Houston has been 104 degrees lately and fruit is my favorite snack of choice when it is hot outside! The fruit that is produced at this time of year is one of summer's greatest qualities if you ask me, and they just so happen to be all of my favorites! Right now I'm all about sweet cherries and have been eating them in my smoothies, plain-jane by themselves, and even in popsicles! My cherry and vanilla yogurt granola pops are healthy and delicious and, the best part, they are perfectly suitable for breakfast!
Why we don't all make our own popsicles I have no idea. They are the easiest summertime treat you could ever make and the flavor options are endless. Have fruit that is getting too ripe? Make popsicles. Bought too many berries at the market? Make popsicles. You don't even have to have a reason! The point here is, I think we should all commit to making popsicles all summer long. I have had a sweet tooth for the past two weeks like nobody's business. I knew I needed a treat that I could grab at night to keep me from eating ice cream every night...enter the popsicle. My mango, coconut, and lime pops are just the healthy treat I needed to satisfy my sweet cravings!
Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of most popsicles in the store (unless you buy organic)? It's all sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and a whole bunch of other stuff I can't pronounce. And if you do buy organic the popsicles are about six bucks for six popsicles...are you kidding? I would go through those too fast and definitely wouldn't be sharing with Canean. I get kinda stingy with my treats for me and baby. Don't judge me.
Have you guys heard about pop-up farmer's markets yet? It is such a cool idea, and a great way for everyone to be able to get farm fresh food! The ladies at Country Table, Kallie and Lauren, are doing it right! You might remember me talking about them before when I interviewed them, here! They are literally popping up all over the city, making it super easy for anyone to stop by on their lunch break, on their way to or from work, or for moms with kids that need to get in and out! It's quick and painless shopping and the best part is you have direct access to healthy and fresh food to feed your family!
For me, I love that if I can't make it to my normal farmer's market on Saturday, there is another option for me to pick up some fresh ingredients! I recently stopped by one of Country Table's pop-up markets and had such a great time! Not only were they there, but The Big Squeezy (a local juicery) and POPCulture POPs (local and delicious popsicles made with fresh ingredients) were also there selling their delicious products!
