Making Popsicles with Dad

Dads are often busy fellows who get short changed when it comes to spending time with kids. But just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you can’t spend quality time with your kids and have fun too.

Making popsicles can be a great activity for dads to do with children. Kids tend to have a short attention span but that’s ok because popsicles are quick to make.

The first step for dad is to head to the pantry to see what you can use to make popsicles. Look for juice, pudding, dried fruit, carbonated soda, Kool-Aid, gummy candies and more. Check the refrigerator for yogurt and fresh fruit. There’s an unlimited amount of possibilities so use your imagination and see what you come up with.

The easiest way to make popsicles is to purchase a set of Popsicle molds. These are plastic molds in the shape of a popsicle with a tight-fitting lid. Normally the lids will also include a non-removable handle. Pour or spoon the ingredients into the mold, pop the mold into the freezer and enjoy after the ingredients have hardened.

If your family doesn’t have Popsicle molds, no problem! You can use paper cups and craft sticks or even ice trays and toothpicks. Simply pour the ingredients into the paper cup or ice tray, cover with plastic wrap and then poke a hole into the plastic wrap to insert the craft sticks or toothpicks. The plastic will help the sticks remain upright while the popsicles freeze.

Here are six ideas you can use to create healthy snacks the whole family can enjoy:

>> Pomegranate Swirl Popsicles

1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
8 ounces of pomegranate juice

Pour pomegranate juice into the mold until it is about two-thirds full. Next, spoon yogurt into the top of each mold, which will take approximately 2 tablespoons. Using a knife or chopstick, stir the ingredients slightly to create a pattern. Add the lid to the mold or stand a craft stick up in the juice/yogurt mixture. Allow the molds to freeze for about 8 hours.

>> Watermelon Popsicles

1/2 cup of cubed watermelon, seeds should be removed
1/2 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of water

Add the ingredients to a blender and blend well. You want the ingredients to resemble a liquid, but they do not have to be completely liquid. It would be alright if they watermelon is a little chunky. Pour the ingredients into molds or 3 ounce paper cups and then freeze. After an hour, poke a craft stick into each cup. Allow the ingredients to freeze for about 8 hours.

>> Pineapple Popsicles

1 cup sweetened pineapple juice
1 cup finely chopped pineapple

Stir the pineapple juice and chopped pineapple together. Pour the mixture into molds or cups. Insert sticks and freeze the popsicles. This will make about six servings.

>> Nutella Fudgesicles

1 1/2 c. chocolate milk
1/2 c. Nutella

Whisk together, pour into molds and freeze for at least 2 hours.

>> Beary Soda Pops

1 can carbonated soda (Sprite, Grape, Strawberry or Orange are good)
1 package gummy bears (or your favorite gummy candy)
Fill molds ¾ of the way full. Drop in several gummy bears; enough to raise soda level to 1/4 inch from the top. Insert the stick and freeze.

>> Fresh Fruit Pops
1 cup white grape juice
1 kiwi, sliced thinly
3 strawberries, sliced thinly
8-10 blueberries

Directions

Equally divide fruit among Popsicle molds. Pour grape juice into each mold to fill to given “fill” line or leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top. Add Popsicle sticks & freeze for several hours.

There you have it. Six delicious and fun popsicles you can make with your child in under 30 minutes.