popsicles

There's no need for a tot to wrap his noodles around a fork when mama can make spaghetti on a stick! One trick parents use to convince children to try a new food is to kebab it. I recently came across a recipe for spaghetti pops and decided to serve them to my carb-loving tots.

For step-by-step instructions, read more

With only one month of berry season remaining, I've been buying strawberries and blueberries in flats. And while I do a pretty good job at finding ways to eat them all, sometimes there really is too much of a good thing. In the weeks that I have too many ripe berries, I freeze them to use later in the Fall and Winter, or make jam. Last week on an incredibly hot day, I experimented in the kitchen to make my own mixed berry yogurt frozen treats. This treat is sweet, creamy, and best of all, a healthy way to cool down this Summer.

Disclaimer: this is a very loose recipe — so loose that I can't even call it a recipe. I had a bunch of ripe berries that I blended with some nonfat Greek yogurt and sugar. The finished mixture was based strictly on personal taste. If you need a gauge, ask yourself if you'd enjoy drinking the mix on its own, much like a smoothie. If yes, freeze away! Pour the berry yogurt mixture into a clean ice cube tray, add some toothpicks and freeze. It doesn't have to stop there either. Since the first batch, I've experimented with different berry combos, and thrown in fresh mint and lemon juice too. Whatever the combo, this treat is a big hit in my house!

The hot months are finally here, so it's the perfect time to pull out those popsicle molds and get to work freezing a refreshing Summer treat. This three-layered popsicle recipe combines watermelon, lemon, and blueberry ices to create a pop that is both sweet and tart. Although the recipe says to strain the pureed fruit mixtures, I wanted a little texture and left them unstrained. The layering process definitely takes time, but the final product is well worth it. To cool off this July, keep reading for the recipe.

Ice, ice baby! When the weather forecast includes a heat wave, keeping tots cool is a priority. Ice pops are always a Summertime favorite with lil ones racing to the corner as soon as they hear the ice cream truck’s first jingle. In the seven minutes it takes to wait in line for your treat, you can create your own, healthier version at home.

The new Zoku Quick Pop Maker ($50) takes your homemade popsicle recipe and flash freezes it, making the icy treat ready to eat faster than you can run out down the block to the Good Humor man. Avoid the high-fructose corn syrup and artificially colored treats by using fresh fruit and yogurt to create your own tasty treats. To see two of our favorite, easy pop recipes, read more