If you’re trying to beat the heat and enjoy an occasional treat, here are three healthy and nutritious options without all the added sugar and chemicals found in most commercially-prepared treats.
Banana Fudgesicles
Most fudgesicles are packed with chemicals but in only a couple of minutes (plus freezing time) you can enjoy healthier and tastier ones made at home.
1-1/4 cups of almond milk
1 banana, peeled (use 2 if you prefer a sweeter fudgesicle)
3 Tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
1 Tablespoon ground chia seeds (optional)
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm. Makes approximately 6 fudgesicles.
Probiotic-Rich Creamsicle Ice Cream
This light orange-colored ice cream is as delicious as it is beautiful. It tastes like the creamsicles I ate as a child but is so much healthier. It is high in vitamin C, protein, calcium, magnesium, and of course, health-boosting probiotics. If you don’t have an ice cream machine pour into popsicle molds for delicious creamsicles. Serves 4.
¾ cup raw, unsalted cashews
1 cup water
1 probiotic capsule or ½ teaspoon of probiotic powder
5 mandarin oranges, peeled, seeds removed
1 cup almond milk
2 fresh medjool dates, pitted
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or pure vanilla extract
In a blender, blend together the cashews and water. Pour into a small glass or ceramic bowl. Add the contents of the probiotic capsule or the probiotic powder. Cover and let ferment for 8 to 12 hours.
In a blender, blend together the cashew mixture, mandarin oranges, almond milk, dates, and vanilla powder or extract until creamy. Pour into an ice cream maker and make according to manufacturer’s directions, usually 25 to 30 minutes in the machine.
Blackberry-Raspberry Sorbet Pops
This recipe is packed with health-promoting proanthocyanidins that boost heart health, fight cancer, and more. You can enjoy it as a sorbet by adding the blended ingredients to an ice cream maker or turn it into sorbet pops if you prefer.
1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cut in cubes
2 cups frozen raspberry
1 cup frozen blackberries
1 cup water
Blend all ingredients in a blender. Pour into an ice cream maker and make according to manufacturer’s directions OR pour into popsicle molds and freeze.