Simple to Make Popsicle Recipes for Summer

Summer is a season for children. They play in the sun, splash in the water and enjoy all the benefits the season has to offer them. Along with a child's love for summer comes their insatiable desire for cold summer treats. Of all the cold summer treats available most kids prefer Popsicles because they are quick and portable. Making your own Popsicles at home is easy, healthier and it's a fun cooking activity for your kids.

Many people purchase popsicles for their kids in those giant bulk boxes because it is economical. One way of making your Popsicles economically, but still keeping them healthy is by using 100% fruit juice. Some juices that work well are pineapple, grape and orange, although any juice will do. To make the Popsicles you can either purchase Popsicle molds from any of your local department stores, you can use ice cube trays or you can even use small paper cups. If you choose to use ice cube trays or paper cups, you can also purchase Popsicle sticks from the craft section in most stores. You can easily use the ice cube trays or paper cups with Popsicle sticks by allowing the juice to freeze to a slushy consistency and then you would insert a Popsicle stick in each cube or cup. After they freeze your kids can then easily take them with them while they are on the go.

Getting more creative with making your kids Popsicles can not only be more fun for your kids if they participate in making them, but it can also make the Popsicles even more healthy than just plain juice pops. Adding fruit to your Popsicles is a great way to make them more interesting and healthy. Fruit should be cleaned and diced before it is added to the Popsicles. To add the fruit to plain juice Popsicles, simply wait for the juice to partially freeze and push a few pieces of fruit into the Popsicle. Due to the size of most ice cube trays, adding fruit to Popsicles made in ice cube trays is not typically recommended. Working with fruit opens up many opportunities for experimentation. You can make Popsicles mixed with fruit and jello or with fruit and ice cream. You can also make Popsicles using pudding , yogurt or jam as the base ingredient. Berries work well with all ingredients and maintain flavor well during freezing. You can mix berries, juices, ice creams and jello flavors to make things more interesting and different.

Popsicles made at home don't always have to be completely healthy. Kids love it when you let them mix it up by adding candy, sprinkles and other yummy ingredients. If your really set on making your kids Popsicles healthy try mixing yogurt with sprinkles and freezing it. Vanilla yogurt is great for this, especially mixed with rainbow sprinkles. The combination looks fun and appetizing to your little ones. Mixing pudding with gummy candies like gummy worms or gummy bears is another fun way to shake it up a bit.

Some basic guidelines for mixing ice cream with fruit would be to pre-mix the chosen ingredients in a bowl and then spoon into each mold until filled. Although instant pudding can be used, regular pudding usually works better. Some of the recipes I have tried are below, but experimentation is always fun.

Jello Popsicles
3 Ounce Package Gelatin
1 Packet Unsweetened Drink Mix
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Boiling Water

Mix all ingredients until dissolved. Add two quarts boiling water or slightly less if adding fruit. Pour into molds and freeze.

Pudding Popsicles
1 Small Pudding Package
2 Cups Milk

Combine milk and pudding. Add desired candy. Poor in molds and allow to freeze.

For ice cream and yogurt pops you would simply spoon the desired amount into molds with the other ingredients you are using. You can either premix-mix in a bowl and then freeze or layer your ingredient. Playing with the different ideas and combinations will help you determine what you like best.

Making Popsicles at home is not only fun, it is also cost effective. It is also a safe and easy way for your kids to use the kitchen. If you follow these basic guidelines and toss in a little imagination who knows what delicious combinations you and your family will come up with.