With summer time almost upon us, I thought it would be fun to share a treat that will cool the whole family down when the temps reach scorching highs. This isn’t really a new idea, but it never hurts to have a refresher on the old standbys! So here’s one of my absolute favorite treats: a smoothie pop. These are delicious and you can make them as nutritious as you want. Totally customizable to suit your families favorite flavors. And, they make a great way to sneak some extra fruit into your little one’s tummies! Lets get to it.
For starters, you are going to need to make a smoothie. I love Jamba Juice, but that habit can be rather expensive! So I have spent a lot of time mastering the art of the home made smoothie. There’s a few little tricks you need to know to make the perfect smoothie. They are all about balance. Ever made a smoothie at home and thought “Hey! This doesn’t taste the same!” Here’s what you need to know. Smoothies need something acidic and something bland. If you are making a berry smoothie, adding nothing but berries will leave you with a really tart taste and that’s about all you’ll get. If you make a smoothie with just bananas, you’ll probably think it’s too bland. Skipping milk can mean a bad texture, while too much milk will leave the smoothie runny and no fun. Using frozen fruit is best, it seems to make for the frothiest smoothie without adding ice or ice cream. Lastly, don’t skip the yogurt (or yogurt substitute). Not only is yogurt good for you, it’s an essential flavor and texture balance in a smoothie. Even though you really can’t taste it, you will notice if it’s not there! Same thing with bananas. They balance flavor and improve texture.
First, gather your smoothie pop tools.
You will need popsicle sticks. I got them from the craft store for 2 bucks! Dixie cups or something similar, and a blender of some sort.
Now that you have the supplies, lets make a smoothie.
Here’s a recipe I have found to be perfect. But again, these are my favorite flavors! You can swap them with what you like (just don’t skip the banana).
Click through for full recipe.
8 COMMENTS
Jessica
14 years agoLove your idea of spinach and flax seed. SO creative!
Jasmine
14 years agoI know what I’m making this weekend!!!
Jess T.
14 years agoFact: I have never made these!
Its oooooon now!
Carissa via Facebook
14 years agoI love smoothies and smoothie pops. You can hide spinach and kale in them…carrots and such too!
Heather
14 years agoWe make smoothies all the time and I’m going to make sure to set some aside for pops next time! We also add spinach and different veggies to ours to sneak in some vegetables and you can’t take them at all.
Heather Gonzales
14 years agoI can’t wait to try these! Making things like this at home is also a great way to accommodate for food allergies. My husband is lactose intolerant, so it’s almost impossible to find smoothies out and about he can have. I could easily do this with lactose-free milk and soy yogurt, though! Maybe I will make it as a special Father’s Day treat tomorrow.
Kaydee
14 years agoYum! We’ll be making these for my son’s 2 birthday party!!!
Rebekah
14 years agoThese would be perfect for birthday parties! The dixie cup helps cut down on the mess a little. Let us know how the party goers like them!