Ahh..Summer is here, outdoor activities flourish everywhere, but what do you give the child for a snack that are not loaded with tons of sugar and is healthier for them? The answer; Popsicles.

 

Unfortunately, most of the popsicles at your grocery store are filled with artificial colors and high in sugar. Not exactly a recipe for a healthy summer snack. Did you know with the help of a Popsicle mold, it's a breeze to make your own icy dessert treats?

The easiest way to make your own popsicles is to use a Popsicle mold. If you can't find a mold for making popsicles at Target or Wal-Mart in your area, they are fairly inexpensive.  Most of the molds are easy to work with, although you may have to run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to remove the Popsicle.  Now comes the fun part. What would you like to put in your mold to create your delicious summertime snacks?

We all need to eat more fruit. Why not add some fresh orange juice to your Popsicle molds to create popsicles loaded with vitamin C? Other fruit juices would work nicely too including grapefruit juice, grape juice, lemonade, apple juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and cherry juice.

If you have a blender, try pureeing a mixture of healthy berries such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Add some low fat milk and a touch of low calorie sweetener. Blend the mixture thoroughly. Pour into your Popsicle molds and freeze. Once frozen, you'll have a high fiber, low calorie, low fat treat that's simply delicious. Plus, you'll be getting several servings of fruit for the day.

Do you remember the "dreamsicle" Popsicle? You can make your own version of this popular ice cream treat by adding an orange drink powder such as Tang to low fat milk. Flavor with a touch of vanilla and freeze. This one is guaranteed to be popular with the kids.

Other ideas for filling your Popsicle molds include adding:

1.                               Fruit flavored yogurt

2.                              Low fat chocolate milk for a healthy version of a fudgesicle

3.                              Apple sauce from a jar or can

4.                              Sugar free soda

5.                              Sugar free pudding or pie filling

6.                              Fruit flavored jelly or jam mixed with yogurt

For the ultimate in decadence, dip your frozen Popsicle in dark chocolate syrup and refreeze. Remember, they do say chocolate is a great source of antioxidants!

» Read more

More than 120 sites throughout the county offer the meals through the foodservice department of the Polk Public Schools.

» Read more

A series of Saturday wine dinners offers wine and food fans a chance to do a tour of both established and emerging wine regions.
» Read more

The public is invited to attend a special Restaurant and Lodging Assn. wine diner with Food Critic Trent Rowe.
» Read more

There is a new place in winter haven named carolina burgers..they have shakes,fries,and burgers, also turkey sandwiches and chicken wings.
» Read more

Memorial Day and the start of the Summer Cookout Season are just around the Corner and with that " The Polk County Extension Office" is reminding us that Food Safety go hand in hand with Summer Outdoor Eating. Bacteria love the hot, humid days of summer, and grow faster then than at any other time of the year. When the temperature is above 90 F, the time perishable food can be left outside the refrigerator or freezer drops from two hours to one hour! Keep the following tips in mind this summer:
» Read more

With the high price of Crude Oil, a costly ripple effect is working its way through our economy. However many experts believe that the high price of food has mostly been caused by the farming community switching over to crops best suited for Ethanol conversion.
» Read more

Earth Day is Great but you do have the power to save the Earth every day, some easy tips and quick ideas on helping the environment and your pocketbook.
» Read more

Celebrate Mother's Day at Pack 534's Pancake Breakfast!
» Read more

On Wednesday, April 23, the Polk Museum of Art and the Downtown Chapter of the American Business Women's Association will host a Spring Luncheon in honor of Administrative Professionals. Two seatings will be held, one at 11:30 a.m. and one at 1 p.m.
» Read more