Cool Off With Herbal Popsicles!
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. With that, the weather is warming up and so is our taste for cool, sweet, juicy treats! Who doesn’t enjoy a popsicle on a hot sunny day?? While yes, there are many to choose from at the store and even plenty of natural and organic options, it is oh so much better when you can make them yourselves and tweak them to your own tastebuds liking! Not only that, but you’ll get the added health benefits of the herbs themselves. Plus, kids get such a kick out of eating their own creations. Along with that, they money you will save can seriously add up, especially if your kids are anything like mine and hand them out to all of the neighborhood kids each day.
What will you need to get started?
Popsicle mold – There are lots to choose from at Amazon.com or you can find them in a wide variety of stores from Target to Bed Bath and Beyond, as well as most Supermarkets.
Tea Strainer
Or, if you think you’ll be making a lot of popsicles and want to splurge a little, I love this Teapot with Infuser from http://www.forlifedesign.com
Below you’ll find a few great recipes for Herbal Popsicles. Feel free to experiment or tweak them to make them you own. It’s always fun to add in little chunks or shreds of fresh fruit. If you like your treats a little sweater, a little honey or agave nectar will do the trick! Have fun and Enoy!
Chamomile-Hibiscus
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried Chamomile (check with your local herb store or find online at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon of dried Hibiscus (check with your local herb store or find online at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com)
- 1 and 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1 cup of greek yogurt (plain)
- Dash of salt
- Honey or agave nectar to tast
- Tablespoon of lemon juice or 1/4 cup lemonade
Mint Lemonade
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemonade (can reduce forgo the agave if you use lemonade)
- 3 tbsp dried Mint leaves (from your local herb store or http://www.mountainroseherbs.com)
- 3 tbsp agave nectar
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Directions: bring water to a boil and steep dried herbs for 10-15 minutes. Add in honey or agave nectar and stir well. Let cool to room temperature and add lemon juice or lemonade. Pour into molds and freeze 2-4 hours. Enjoy!
- 3/4 cup pomegranate limeade (if you’re lucky enough to live by Trader Joes!) or 3/4 freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tbsp dried Cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp agave nectar (won’t need this if you use the limeade)
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
Directions: bring water to a boil and steep dried herbs for 10-15 minutes. Add in honey or agave nectar and stir well. Let cool to room temperature and add lemon juice or lemonade. Pour into molds and freeze 2-4 hours. Enjoy!
Strawberry Basil
- 3 cup strawberries, pureed
- 3/4 cup cold water
- ~16 pieces fresh basil, pureed
- 2 tbsp agave nectar
Directions: puree strawberries, basil in blender and agave in a bledner; add water and pour into molds & freeze 2-4 hours. Enjoy!
Its a Botanical Life 