Frugally Frozen Treats

When the hot summer days hit, my kids live on popsicles. It’s staggering how many of those things they can consume in one day. The only time they’ll eat real food is when the sun goes down and they finally come dragging into the house after a long day of running and playing. So I have to make sure that the frozen treats they are getting are not only chock full of some sort of nutrition but are easy on my budget.

Homemade summer treats are a breeze to make and require very little equipment. A few dollar store popsicle molds and some fresh fruit and you’re in business. You can be as creative as you want by layering colors to make striped treats or by mixing different fruits and juices together to create custom flavors. And the best part is that you know you’re giving your children healthy snacks where you can include the freshest ingredients and control the sugar content as well.

Here are a few ideas for some frugally frozen treats that are sure to please the kids and maybe a few adults too.

Peaches and Cream-sicles

• 1 (6 oz.) can peaches in light syrup or
• 2 fresh ripe peaches, sliced and pitted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. sugar or honey (optional)

Whip cream in a blender for 30-45 seconds. Add peaches and honey. Whir until smooth. Pour into molds, and freeze.

Fresh Fruit Pops

These are fun and can be as creative as you want. Mix complementary flavors to come up with your own gourmet popsicles.

• 2 cups of fresh fruit chunks (watermelon, berries, pitted cherries, mango….etc.)
• 2 cups of juice (white grape, orange, pineapple, etc…)

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.

Strawberry Banana Yogurt Pops

• 24 ounce container Vanilla Yogurt
• 4 bananas sliced small
• 1 ½ cups strawberries sliced small
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Stir all ingredients together and freeze in popsicle molds.

Frozen Chocolate Bananas on a Stick.

• 6 firm bananas
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, etc.

Cut each unpeeled banana in half, and gently insert a popsicle stick into each one. Then peel bananas. Place bananas onto a baking sheet and freeze until frozen. In a double boiler melt chocolate chips. Dip frozen bananas into melted chocolate, then roll in coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or leave plain. Freeze until chocolate hardens and they are ready to eat. Enjoy!

Frozen Fruit Cups

• 16 ounces strawberries
• 12 ounces pineapple-orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 (20 ounce) cans crushed pineapple, undrained
• 2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, undrained
• 6 bananas, diced
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 16 ounces blueberries

Combine all ingredients in a very large bowl. Freeze in 1-cup increments. Thaw to a slushy consistency before serving.