Red, White, and Fruit: Healthy and Refreshing Popsicles for July 4th

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In my quest to mix my Mexican heritage and my American culture, I had to make paletas that are festive and delicious for the 4th of July holiday. Something I could whip out mid-day and dazzle the kids with. I used two of my favorite berries and a nice dose of chia seed lemonade. I know my son is already a fan of paletas, so hopefully he will love the idea of this celebration on a stick. They kind of remind me of rocket ships headed for the sky!

Ingredients for Paletas:

  • 1 - cup fresh strawberries

  • 1 - cup sugar

  • 2 - cups water

  • 4 - lemons (juiced)

  • 1 - tablespoon chia seeds

  • 1 - cup fresh blueberries

  • Popsicle / Paletas mold

  • sticks

Related: 12 fun and clever ways to serve ice cream

Directions:

  1. In the blender add strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Blend until smooth.

  2. Pour the first layer into popsicle molds filling them only 1/3 of the way up.

  3. Freeze first layer for 2 hours.

  4. While first layer is freezing, mix lemon juice and 1/3 cup sugar in a bowl. Mix until sugar is completely dissolved. Then add in 1 cup water and chia seeds. set to the side until ready for next layer.

  5. Once first layer is set / frozen pour the lemonade mixture into the molds to fill up to 2/3 of the container. Place back in the freezer for 1 1/2 hours.

  6. In the blender add blueberries, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Blend until smooth. Then pour the mixture into the molds to top off the paletas.

  7. Before placing into the freezer insert sticks into paletas and then place into the freezer over night.

  8. To unmold place paleta molds into a bath of warm water for 15 seconds then pull upward to unmold.

  9. Place unmolded paletas on a cookie sheet and let them continue to freeze for a minimum of 2 hours then put them in a ziplock till ready to serve. They will keep for up to a month.

  10. Enjoy!

-By Nicole Presley

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