Finally! We moved, but it’s not all smooth sailing yet. We’re living out of boxes and we don’t have a kitchen yet. While our perfect kitchen is being built (which we will be talking about soon), I’m going to have to get crafty. I do have many plug-in appliances (rice cooker, toaster oven, panini press, waffle maker, microwave, etc.) so we’re still going to have a ball here. I think we’re going to be pleasantly surprised with how much I (or you) can do without a kitchen. (Gulp) Determined to eat well every single day without exceptions, here goes…
Before the string of cold days, we had some wonderful hot days, and that’s when I started thinking about one of my favorite summer treats. I am such a huge fan of ice cream and gelato, but occasionally, I want something lighter. Starting in high school, I would often grab FrozFruits at the delis nearby. Chunky Strawberry was/is my favorite.
Recently, I was ready to grab a Chunky Strawberry and I thought to check the ingredients. Yup, it’s made with high fructose corn syrup! That was it, I would have to make my own. I wanted to maintain what I do love about it though, the very strawberry flavor (deceptively natural), the chunks of strawberries in it, and the cool satisfying feeling it left me with every time. I made special care to keep all parts of the bargain and the result was better than I could have hoped for.
You’ll see that I put a little bit of condensed milk in this recipe. It won’t taste creamy though and I’m pretty sure no one will be able to guess that it’s in there. It was such a random chance that I would discover what a great mix-in it is. It just thickens it to the perfect consistency. I don’t even know why I decided to and actually once I did, I was immediately regretting it, thinking, what the heck am I doing? But, then it all turned out great and I was so relieved.
Also, I decided not to buy ice pop molds, and to me the paper cups and spoons works just fine. Feel free to use this recipe in your ice pop molds though.
That’s my adorable niece, Sabrina, modeling my ice pops! I should have taken more photos of Sophia (my brother’s girlfriend) who ate 4, I think.
Very Strawberry Ice Pops
~12 to 13 small ice pops
- 6 cups strawberry halves (hulled)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 12 to 13 (3oz) paper cups
Instructions –
1. Toss strawberries with sugar in a large bowl. Set aside to macerate for 1 hour.
2. Reserve 1 1/2 cups strawberry halves and chop these into 1/2″ to 3/4″ pieces. They can be inconsistent. Set aside.
3. Put the rest of the strawberries in a food processor. Process until smooth.
4. Pour through a strainer into a large bowl. Discard seeds.
5. Stir in lemon juice, condensed milk, and cut strawberry pieces.
6. Divide among 12 to 13 (3oz) paper (wax lined) cups (i.e. Dixie cups). Put a small spoon in each. I used small metal spoons but you can also use sturdy plastic spoons. Freeze overnight or until solid.
7. Peel the cups off before serving.
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Wowowow! These look fantastic, I love how little sugar there is in them. This would be absolutely perfect using local strawberries….can’t wait to go pick some!!
These looks so good. We all love strawberries in our household, too!
And this looks so adaptable to whatever fruit is in season (or is hanging out in the fruit bowl needing to be eaten 🙂
We’ll definitely be trying these in the near future.
cute kid. 🙂
adding the little dribble of condensed milk was a stroke of genius as far as i’m concerned. here we have yet another creation that’s waaaay better in its homemade form–bravo.
Sweet! Now I don’t have to wait for the Mr. Softee truck to park in front of my house.
Koko, that would make them even better!
Cheryl, let me know what kind of fruit you use. Would love to see pictures too!
Grace, double thanks!
Oooh, I love how the condensed milk sneaked its way into there. I heart condensed milk.
Thats gorgeous!
I can live off of this! Gorgeous photograph; makes me suddenly thirsty.
Thanks! These look yummy!
Oh my god so cute and yummy. I wanna bite it as well. That babe is super cute as well.
Thanks everyone! I wish it wasn’t rainy in NY today, while I enjoyed the last few.
A fun treat to make and eat:)
Condensed milk…yum….
What a great idea!! I have a bunch of leftover stawberry purée that is begging to be ice pops! 😀
Those look delicious!
I remember you saying you had the same birthday as my daughter, which was yesterday. I hope you had a great birthday 🙂
Kristen, I can’t believe you remember! Thank You!
OH, YUM!
These look absolutely tantalizing. I know what treat I’ll be making my fianceé when she comes up to visit my family, yum yum…
hi
Jessica Lee Binder
i think you look so sweet girl
i like your blog
thanks for your Recipe
its awsome
awsome
FRICKEN AMAZING. I loved them. Kids loved them – I actually ate more than the kids…..
Thanks ABZ! With 2 kiddos now, I don’t think I’m ever going to have time to make anything again unless EVERYONE eats it! haha
I want to pin this to pinterest but I can’t find a link or any usable images. Please help – we loved them!
Hi Katie! Thanks for loving the pops! Do yo use the “pin it” button for your toolbar? That will make it easier for you to “pin’ from any site you’re on including mine.
I made them, but there wasn’t enough time to freeze them, so I just tried it as a shake. Add in a touch of ice cream and blend it again and it’s perfect. You should try it too!
Rachael, sounds yummy! Strawberries and ice cream, mmm