Summer in Colorado means a lush landscape, no school, outdoor swimming, and plenty of sunshine heat! When the temperatures start to rise, there are a few treats that we all want to reach for, like a Popsicle®!
Fun Frozen History
More than 110 years ago, back in 1905, a child named Frank Epperson left a cup of soda and stir stick overnight on his porch in Oakland, California. Well, it got very cold that night in Oakland and when Frank went outside the next morning, his soda was frozen with the stir stick inside.
Frank’s invention was a hit at school and he patented the idea in 1923. The American treat, the Popsicle, was born! Since that time, cherry has become the most popular flavor, Popsicle sticks are made of birch wood, and 2 billion Popsicles are sold every year!
While we all love Popsicle, it’s actually a trademarked word so let’s explore the world of homemade ice pops instead.
Dentist-Approved Ice Pops
While other frozen treats may include artificial colors and sugars, it’s best to enjoy a summertime delight that is easier on your teeth. As pops that you suck on to cool off, we recommend homemade ice pops that limit exposure to sugars that can cause tooth decay.
Luckily, there are several, delicious ice pops options for you and your family this summer!
Peanut Butter Us Up Ice Pops
Trust us, these are delicious! Have allergies in the family to nuts? Try sunflower seed butter. Creamy, cold, and delicious.
You’ll need 2 can (13.5 oz each) of coconut milk, ½ cup smooth, sugar-free peanut butter, and a half teaspoon of liquid Stevia non-sugar, natural sweetener. Blend all ingredients on high until smooth. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
Pour the smoothed mixture into your molds with sticks and freeze until hard, about 4 hours. Enjoy.
Never A Blue Summer Ice Pops
We’re all about sugar-free and simple ice pop making on a summer’s day. For this recipe, all you need are frozen blueberries (to help speed up freezing time) and plain organic whole milk yogurt. The ratio is simple and works with whatever you have!
Use 2 parts frozen blueberries and 1-part plain yogurt. Place the frozen blueberries and the yogurt in a food processor. Blend for a short time to mix it up but not make it runny. Kids don’t like blueberry “bits”? No problem! Just strain the mixture.
Pour or spoon the mixture in the molds with sticks and freeze for at least three hours. Yum!
Melt-in-your-Mouth Chocolate Ice Pops
We love chocolate best when it melts in our mouths, just like this tasty ice pop recipe.
In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup light coconut milk, ½ cup cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of instant espresso or coffee powder (you can leave this part out for the kids). Stir continuously over medium heat to combine all ingredients.
Once combined and smooth, pour into a blender and add up to two avocados, chopped up. Sprinkle in a dash of sea salt and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into molds, add sticks, and allow to freeze at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Fruit-Filled Strawberry Summer Ice Pops
Often, the simplest things are the very best. That’s definitely true about these tasty, sugar-free frozen treats.
What you’ll need for this recipe is strawberries. That’s it! Take about 20 good-size strawberries (or any amount you have on hand), wash them, and remove the stems. Put strawberries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Pour into your freezer mold, along with sticks, and allow to set until frozen solid (usually about 4 hours).
This straightforward ice pop is a perfect summer treat! You can really use virtually any fruit or combination of fruits you might have. If you feel the ice pops need to be a bit sweeter, add liquid Stevia (natural herb sweetener) or a dash of natural honey.
Don’t have ice pop molds? Don’t worry! In a pinch, Dixie® cups work as a ice pop mold.
This collection of fun summer ice pops was inspired by these websites:
As you’re enjoying the summer, don’t forget to call Barron Family Dental at (303) 284-6463 or book online to schedule back-to-school dental cleanings and checkups. But, until then, enjoy the summer!
