Make Ice Pops That Really Pop
On a hot day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cool treat. With a freezer full of tasty ice pops, you have the perfect way to take a break from the sun and humidity. Anyone interested in attending online culinary school should try making ice pops at home for a simple and fun dessert.
Once you learn the basics, you can customize the flavors to create a huge variety of tasty and refreshing treats. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Keep it simple with frozen fruit juice
“Freeze your favorite fruit juice with a craft stick in the center.”
For a classic option, simply freeze your favorite fruit juice with a craft stick in the center. To form the proper shape, you can pick up a set of reusable molds. On the other hand, The Kitchn presented several do-it-yourself possibilities, such as paper cups, ice cube trays or baking tins.
However you give your ice pops their shape, you should experiment with exciting combinations of fruit flavors, like pears and limeade or lemon and blueberry. If you want to try something different, explore the possibilities of veggies or herbs. Bon Appetit suggested creating a thyme syrup by simmering the herbs with sugar and water before combining with lemon juice. After a few hours in the freezer, you’ll have a truly distinctive ice pop.
2. Cool off with chocolate
Sometimes the only cure for the summer heat is a dose of ice-cold chocolate. Real Simple suggested one easy way to craft your own pudding pops. Start by preparing vanilla pudding and dividing into two bowls before it cools.
Add melted bittersweet chocolate to one bowl, stirring thoroughly. Cover both with plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour. Place a quarter cup of the chocolate pudding in each of your ice pop molds and place them in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then, top with the vanilla pudding, insert the sticks and freeze for another three hours.
3. Enjoy the possibilities of paletas
Paletas are classic Mexican ice pops available in a wide variety of flavors, from fruity to creamy. Epicurious gave directions for a delightful version based on rice pudding.
Begin by placing a short or medium-grain rice in a saucepan with milk, cream, sugar and Mexican cinnamon. Set over medium-heat and keep at a simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the cinnamon and allow a few minutes to cool.
Move half the rice mixture into a blender and puree until it’s smooth. Then, pour the pureed portion back in with the rest, stir and refrigerate. When the mixture cools completely, relocate it into ice pop molds and freeze for five hours.
There are endless ways to put your own spin on ice pops.4. Pops for the grownups
Adults often like a little extra kick in their ice pops. For a fun take on a Southern tradition, try the mint julep-inspired recipe from Honestly Yum.
Combine a cup of demerara sugar with 2.5 cups of water in a saucepan on medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar totally dissolves, and then turn off the heat. Add a cup of fresh mint, using a wooden spoon to muddle it slightly.
Allow about 45 minutes for the mixture to steep and cool before running it through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in bourbon and transfer to molds. Place in the freezer for 45 minutes before adding the sticks, and then continue freezing until solid.
Popsicles are a simple dessert, but they are endlessly customizable and perfect for fans of sweets at any age. Culinary academy students can let their creativity loose with this classic treat and make even the muggiest day pretty cool.
