Cool Off From The Summer Sun With Yogurt Popsicles

As a parent, I love to share new experiences with Scarlett.  There's nothing like spending quality time together while doing something fun.

While I was browsing Amazon the other day, I came across a lightening deal for popsicle molds.  Scarlett's really been into popsicles lately and I thought it would be great for her to be able to have her own popsicles anytime she wants.  Plus, an added bonus is that she'd be able to choose what goes in them!

Once the popsicle molds arrived, I mentally planned what I should make them with.  Should I do a juice base featuring lemonade and chopped strawberries? I love the combination of lemonade and strawberries, it's a quintessential summer pairing.  Or, should I do a yogurt base with blueberries and bananas? The possibilities are truly endless, and that's what makes these yogurt popsicles so fantastic!

Scarlett was very eager to help and we begin chopping up bananas and strawberries for the popsicles.  I used vanilla yogurt because I thought it would be an ideal plain base and can be dressed up with the fruit.  Some of the popsicle molds we layered the fruit with yogurt, and others we just put a lot of yogurt in and fruit in the middle or on top.  There's really no wrong way to do it.  Make sure you don't fill the molds with yogurt too full, because they have to be able to close on top with the sticks.

Once you're done filling the molds, they take about four hours to chill in the freezer.  It's a long time to wait if you have children impatiently asking if they're ready yet! Some of the popsicles didn't come out as completely formed as others, but it was our first time making them so now I know what to do for next time.  I loved seeing the big chunks of fruit in the middle, it looked like those gourmet pops you can buy in a speciality ice cream store.  No need to visit any frozen yogurt or ice cream shop anymore, now you can make them in the comfort of your own home.

The best part about these yogurt pops is that you can get really creative.  You don't even need to use yogurt if you prefer not to.  The sky's the limit for creativity.  Feel free to use coconut milk or chocolate soymilk as the base.  If you want to make a really decadent pop, why not use chocolate milk or soymilk with coconuts and slivered almonds inside?  I bet that would be utterly delicious!  

Have fun!