Recently, my BF has jumped on the health train and requested that I not bake quite as many desserts to help him stick to a healthy eating plan.
No, I’m not such an amazing baker that it’s impossible to turn down my sweet treats. He’s just not that picky.
The other night post-dinner, we decided to head out for a walk over the bridge to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take in one of my favorite views in the Hudson Valley.
The view never gets old…
Post-walk, the BF was craving some sweets. He was so desperate that he asked me to see if the local fro-yo joint was still open. It was closed, so we headed to the popsicle aisle of the grocery store, thinking a little popsicle would be much more healthy than a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.
Then, the BF did what he always does when he buys something new. He carefully read the ingredients and sugar content, intensely concentrating while he compared each label (He is the epitome of an educated shopper, folks. It also takes him FOREVER to shop.) Ultimately, he left the store empty-handed after deciding that everything had too much sugar!
So, that’s when I decided to make my BF some low-sugar homemade popsicles. But, of course, I just couldn’t resist a little experimentation…
I will not let my BF go hungry!
I surfed the web to find a recipe that I thought the BF would like and came up with Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles.
But, of course, while buying my strawberries and lemons, I was easily distracted by the giant watermelon stand and just had to purchase some of that juicy big fruit.
Come to me, baby!
I’m not a fan of ANYTHING watermelon flavored, so that has always made me think I dislike the fruit itself. But, then every time I taste it, I remember it’s the artificial flavoring that turns me off. Nothing tastes better than a juicy watermelon on a hot summer’s day!
Anyway, back to the popsicles. It seems Watermelon Feta Salads are the “hottest salad” of the summer. I feel like I read about the everywhere!
Mmm…tasty!
So, as I tried to think of a way to utilize my watermelon for a popsicle, I thought, why not try making a Watermelon Feta Popsicle? It works in a salad…so why not freeze it?
I boiled together some watermelon, sugar, salt, mint and feta and then blended with mint and a little lemon juice.
Then, I loaded them into some popsicle molds and crossed my fingers that they would taste well.
I hope this works…
This morning, I took them out of the freezer and prayed for delicious-tasting popsicles.
Looks kinda pretty…
The result…Well, let’s just say there was only one person in this household that really enjoyed my eclectic popsicle.
No matter what I come up with, I always have a least one satisfied customer!
Luckily, the Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles were icy perfection! With a little bit of boiling, blending and layering, I had one delectable popsicle!
So, the lesson learned here? Sometimes, when you’re experimenting in the kitchen for the first time, it’s better to stick with a tried and true recipe. Once you get the basics down, THEN you can start experimenting.
These popsicles were a hit with EVERYONE in this household (The BF couldn’t even wait to take a bite before I took the picture!).
The bitterness of the lemon and the sweetness of the strawberry layers combine for a perfectly balanced popsicle!
Here’s the recipe, and stay tuned for some popsicle experiments 😉
Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
Adapted from Pass The Sushi
Ingredients: (Yields about 18 mini popsicles and 9 regular sized popsicles)
Lemonade Layer Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups lowfat yogurt, plain or vanilla
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp sugar
Strawberry Layer Ingredients:
- 1 pint strawberries, cored and quartered
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Make the lemonade layer mixture: Heat the lemon juice in a small, microwaveable bowl for around 45 seconds and dissolve all the sugar into it. Pour this mixture into a medium bowl with the yogurt and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to assemble popsicles.
- Make strawberry layer mixture. Place the strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a bowl. Simmer for around five minutes until the strawberries are soft. Pour this mixture and the lemon juice into a food processor and pulse until almost pureed, but not liquefied. Chill in the refrigerator until cool, and then whisk the yogurt into the strawberry mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the popsicles. Use a teaspoon or tablespoon to carefully spoon alternating layers of lemon and strawberry mixture into your molds. If you typically like your lemonade more sweet than tart, use more strawberry layers than lemon. If you prefer more tart than sweet, use more lemon layers than strawberry. Freeze overnight. To unmold, dip molds into warm water and gently pull popsicles out. Serve immediately.
Question: What flavor should I try next? Give me some suggestions! My friend, Emily, thought of Apple Cheddar popsicles. I think that’s brilliant!
I don’t like watermelon flavored food either, but I definitely love watermelon! Funny how that works!
Yes! Just don’t make watermelon feta popsicles 🙂
Sounds like your BF grocery shops the way I do… I usually shop alone because it takes soooo long! Love that you included the watermelon attempt. The strawberry lemonade popsicles sound so good!!
They are delicious. You and my BF should go shopping together haha 🙂
Hahah “I will not let BF go hungry!”= my life’s motto ;). What a nice girlfriend you are for making those popsicles for him! He should really thank you by buying you jewelry/cars/vacation homes. Sounds like a fair trade 😉
I think you’re on to something here…
Interesting concept… have you tried making apple/cheddar popsicles? 🙂
Great suggestion!! I will make them next time.