Cherry Yogurt Popsicles (Refined Sugar Free)

We are big fans of homemade popsicles in this house.  During the summer, I try to maintain a continuous stock of them.  They make a healthy treat that also helps keep us cool.  This week, I tried some with yogurt.

Yes, we do eat yogurt (plain and sugar free) in this house.  I do add extra probiotics to the yogurt to help with digestion.  Probiotics are live enzymes that help reduce the stress on our digestive systems as well as balance out the healthy bacteria in our bodies.  Probiotics bring in good bacteria to our gut systems, which help our bodies heal and fight off infections.   
We all really enjoyed the combination of the cherries and the yogurt but I am sure pretty much any sweet fruit would work well in this recipe.

Ingredients (makes 5-6 popsicles)

• 2 cups frozen or fresh pitted cherries
• 1 1/4 cup organic, plain yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoon honey or other natural sweetener (optional)
• 1 capsule probiotics (optional)

Directions

1. In a blender puree cherries until smooth.
2. Add honey and probiotics to yogurt and stir until well blended.
3. Alternate pouring cherry puree and yogurt into the popsicle molds.
4. Add sticks and set in freezer to freeze until firm.
5. Enjoy!

Grape Popsicles (Sugar Free)

Grapes make an excellent popsicle.  I prefer red grapes as they are higher in antioxidants.  I added some raspberries and cherries to give a few extra flavours although I am sure any other berries would work here.

Ingredients (makes 3-4 popsicles)

• 2 cups red grapes
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup cherries

Directions

1. Puree all ingredients and pour into popsicle molds.
2. Freeze 4-5 hours or until firm.

Pina Colada Popsicles (Dairy and Refined Sugar Free)

The heat has finally come to Ontario and we are loving it.  Bring on the home-made popsicles and ice cream.  I love pineapple and coconut together and these popsicles do not disappoint.

Ingredients (makes 6 popsicles)

• 1 can full fat coconut milk
• 2 cups diced pineapple
• 1 tablespoon honey or other natural sweetener (optional)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to blender (or reserve some pieces of pineapple to stir in later if you like some small chunks in your popsicles)
2. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm.

Mango Coconut Popsicles (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

I have been loving making home made popsicles this summer.  The girls and I are also enjoying eating them. Occasionally, my husband has been lucky enough, that we haven't eat them all ;)  This mango one is our new favourite.  It is very simple to make, but tIt was so creamy and just plain delicious.

 Ingredients (makes 6 popsicles)

• 2 mangoes peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup coconut milk (I used the thick cream from canned coconut milk*)
• 5-7 drops liquid stevia or 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and purée until smooth or of you prefer allow for a few pieces of mango to remain for texture.
2. Pour into popsicle containers and place in freezer until completely frozen solid.

*Native Forest has a BPA free can of coconut milk

Fudgesicles or Chocolate Popsicles; 2 Recipes (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

It has been so hot out here these last few weeks so we have been making a lot of popsicles.  I have been eating them for breakfast, snacks and desserts; not always all in the same day ;)  I am in love with chocolate so these have been quite popular.  I tried two different chocolate recipes and both are equally delicious.

Recipe #1
Ingredients (makes 6 popsicles)

• 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in 1 cup water for at least 7 hours
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and purée until very smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds and place in freezer until completely frozen solid.

Recipe #2 
Ingredients (makes 5-6 popsicles)

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 peeled and pitted avocado
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1/4 palm sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot starch

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and purée until smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle molds and place in freezer until completely frozen solid.

Strawberry Creamsicles (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

It is strawberry season.  We took the girls to a local organic farmer while visiting my parents this past weekend.  They had a lot of fun picking and eating the berries. Although I am certain my youngest ate more than she picked she definitely enjoyed showing me all her beautiful berries. With a few of the remaining berries I thought I would try making my own popsicles.  These were very easy to make and I can't wait to make more.

Ingredients (makes 6 popsicles)

• 1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (I believe frozen would work as well)
• 3/4 cup coconut milk (I used the thick cream from canned coconut milk)
• 5-7 drops liquid stevia or 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and purée until smooth or of you prefer allow for a few pieces of strawberry to remain for texture.
2. Pour into popsicle containers and place in freezer until completely frozen solid.

Cherry Pudding or Cherry Soft Ice Cream? (Dairy, Gluten/Grain Free with Sugar Free Option)

I don't really know what to call this dish but it is quickly becoming a favourite treat of mine.  If served right away the frozen cherries definitely give it a soft ice cream consistency. This recipes works well with other frozen berries as well.

Ingredients (serves 2-3)

• 1 1/2 cup frozen pitted cherries
• 1 avocado
• 1/3 cup non dairy milk
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and purée until smooth.
2. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Banana Ice Cream (Dairy, Gluten and Redined Sugar Free)

This is a really simple ice cream which doesn't require an ice cream maker.  It will satisfy a chocolate and ice cream craving.  If you are using my recipe for chocolate sauce it will add a little chocolate crunch as the frozen bananas will make the coconut oil in the sauce harden.  Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 2-3 people)

• 2 sliced bananas that have been frozen 
• 1 teaspoon gluten free vanilla
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or natural sweeteners
• 1/4 cup nondairy milk (or more depending on blender)

Directions

1. In a blender add chopped frozen bananas and the rest of the ingredients.  Blend for 3-5 minutes.  It may turn into a crumbly texture before it becomes smooth so continue to blend until smooth.  It will have the texture of soft ice cream.  If you prefer it a little harder simple add to your freezer for a few minutes.