STRAWBERRY LEMONADE POPSICLES

Summer is approaching at warp speed and I'm not complaining. Otis and Lilah have begun a pre-summer ritual of running around the backyard with our neighbors Aidan and Emmett every evening. I feel like I'm channeling my own mom and generations of parents as I call the kids in after the sun has nearly set. When they tromp upstairs for bed, they are breathing hard and falling-down tired just as kids should at the end of a full day.

After dinner recently, all fours kids kept coming into the kitchen mumbling things like "I'm still hungry." I suggested making popsicles together. "Yes" they all chimed in. So I put the kiddos to work squeezing lemons, washing berries, tasting everything as they went, and making a good sticky mess of the kitchen.

I love to see the satisfaction kids take in their own kitchen creations. Who need store-bought pops when making your own is this simple, healthy and fun!


INGREDIENTS
(printable recipe)
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (Meyer's if you can get them)
  • 1 1/2 cup strawberries, stems removed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup light agave syrup

Place all ingredients (including the water) in a blender and mix well. If you aren't patient enough to make popsicles, you could go ahead and drink the strawberry lemonade you just made. Otherwise, fill a popsicle mold with the liquid and freeze until solid.

Enjoy on a long summer evening!


A Summer note: We are packing our bags to hit the road for a month this summer. Get ready for travel photos and recipes soon! xxoo


79 comments:

  1. This is just what I need for our hot summer! And, it looks like they're a lot of fun to make.

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    1. Lisa, they are so easy and the kids have a blast. I think they took less time to make than a trip to the grocery store.
      Happy Summer to you!

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  2. So tempting! A wonderful summer treat.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    1. Simple pleasures are good - right Rosa:)

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  3. Eva@ 1bigbiteJune 04, 2012

    I never tried to make Popsicles but it seems to be very easy! And they look yummy and healthy.
    Have a wonderful vacation, looking forward to see your pics.

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    1. Hey Eva, Give 'em a try. You'll be amazed at how easy they are. And the flavor combos are endless and fun.

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  4. AnonymousJune 04, 2012

    These look like the perfect summer treat!

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  5. These popsicles looks pretty awesome! I'll definitly enjoy some of these during summer!

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  6. Aww, yummy:) I keep telling myself I need to buy some popsicle molds, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

    Making 'popsicles' is like my one kitchen memory from when I was young, except I would just mix together everything liquid that I could find and pour it into plastic molds that my model horses came in.

    My mom loves telling me how funny it is that I love to cook and bake, given that I "never had any interest in the kitchen" when I was young. But where was she when my popsicle misadventures were going down? Never steering me towards anything delicious, that's for sure! Good for you;)

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    1. Emma, I was a big popsicle girl too. We would usually just poor jarred juice into the mold. Orange never was too good, and I vividly remember a batch of slightly fermented apple juice popsicles that we swore( as 7 year olds) tasted like "beer." We loved the scandal of it all.

      You may have rocked some odd concoctions as a kid, but look at you now! All yumminess. xxoo

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    2. Nope, orange wasn't that good. Mine tended to skew towards purple in color. You know, all that tasty stuff mixed in.

      Haha, all yumminess. That's me! Just kidding. Enjoy your vacation - I can't wait to see where you're headed! If New England is ever in your travel plans... you better hit me up:)

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  7. Those popsicles look bright and delicious and what fun to make them with kids! Hope you'll have a wonderful trip, looking forward to see the pictures!

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    1. Thanks Denise. I practically have my bags packed already. I cannot wait to share with you guys!

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  8. AnonymousJune 04, 2012

    These look so yummy!! Where did you get your popsicle mold?

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    1. Yay! Oakland!

      I bought the mold on Amazon. I wanted something PBA free and old-school in shape. I love it.

      http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-423-Ice-Pop-Maker/dp/B0002IBJOG

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  9. What a fun and healthy snack after a long day playing in the sun! I miss being a in the summertime. :)

    Thanks for mentioning where to find those popsicle molds. I've been wanting to make fresh popsicles forever but haven't found the right/safe ones yet.

    Christina
    www.becauseofmadalene.com

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    1. Christina, I know what you mean about the molds. In general I try to avoid buying plastics. I thought the non PBA mold like a good option.

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  10. I remember making popsicles all the time with my mom growing up! Yumm strawberry lemonade sounds perfect for the summer! Thanks for your sweet comment earlier, I really appreciate it. Have a nice week!

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    1. Kristi, I love those memories and I want my kiddos to have them too.

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  11. Whoa! Life-size popsicle photos. You are torturing me, especially because we are having an unseasonably rainy day here today. How I long for a frozen pop and for it to be summer-like again. ;)

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    1. Carolyn, sorry to be a tease talking about summer yesterday. It was a particularly gray and yucky day, wasn't it. But the sun it out again today. Popsicles, anyone?

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  12. Erin! Was just about to ask about the popsicle mold but saw people already asked. They're gorgeous. Definitely going to buy them. :)

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    1. Adrianna, it's a good one isn't it? I've been wanting that old school shape for a long time. Wooden sticks and everything:)

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  13. atmoseatsJune 05, 2012

    Beautiful images. I love the way the popsicles seem to have some of the sun's rays frozen right in them. Food, fun, kids, sun--what a combination.

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    1. Thanks so much atmoseats, you are too kind!

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  14. Very fun! I've been making popsicles too .. so refreshing and easy to make! I like the strawberry lemonade version. Have a good vacation!

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    1. Jane, they are so easy to make, aren't they? And the satisfaction is deep. Yay summer!

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  15. AnonymousJune 05, 2012

    Thanks for the mold link. I am excited to make these. I just remembered I promised you my Almond Cake recipe last time I saw you at thousands oaks. Here it is:

    Lemon Almond Cake

    The great thing about this cake is it is gluten free. I have a few friends who cannot eat gluten, so this cake is always a special treat for them. The batter makes great cupcakes too. Just watch the cooking time on the cupcakes. It is much less. We serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream or eat alone as a snack.


    6 eggs at room temperature
    2 cups (16 oz) Almond Flour/Meal
    1 cup (8 oz) sugar
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    ¼ cup lemon olive oil
    Lemon zest from 1 small lemon
    Baking spray for cake pan or butter and flour
    8 inch cake pan, preferably one that the bottom comes out



    Preheat oven to 350º. Measure out almond flour, sugar and baking powder, and put in a medium bowl. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, and then add to dry ingredients. Add lemon olive oil and mix all ingredients thoroughly. Spray nonstick baking spray in a 8 inch cake pan (with a removable base preferably). Bake for about one hour. Test with a wooden skewer to see if cake is done. Cool cake in the pan before turning out. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve with fresh fruit and whipping cream.


    Tip: This cake is very forgiving and adaptable. I will use plain olive oil when I do not have the lemon olive oil on hand. I just add a little more zest or not. I have used orange in place of lemon. I once used Orange Blossom water (1 t) and orange zest. I use Bob’s Red Mill Finely Ground Almond Meal/Flour, available at most stores.

    Serves 8-10.



    Jennifer Burt
    Jennifer@michhaelburtlaw.com

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    1. Jennifer, what a treat to see you here and your recipe looks awesome! You must have read my mind, just yesterday I was saying to Paul that I really need to make a good moist almond cake and here you are:) Thank you!
      I hope you and your family are well. xxxxxoooo

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  16. Oh, how fun Erin...even my big kids would love a popsicle in this heat. Drat the heat! I'm coping...but not too well. O.K., about that month away for you guys...might it have something to do with Ireland??? BTW...if you think your spot you stayed in Istanbul was worth passing on...would you send me a link? I'm trying hard to think of a way to get us there!

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    1. Sarah, I don't think you are ever too old for popsicles!

      Ireland was seriously on the table but instead we are going to Capri, Greece and Paris. With our often gray and cold Bay Area summers, we all craved heat. Maybe you guys should come here to cool off:)

      I'll send along that link again to the apartment in Istanbul. We really liked it. Though I bet it is hot there this time of year.

      xo
      E

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  17. This looks super refreshing and it can't get any easier. I love the agave touch, great recipe!!

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    1. And somehow the easiness makes the popsicles taste that much better, don't you think;)
      xo

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  18. If only it wasn't winter here because you now have me craving a gorgeous strawberry popsicle. I love the use of agave. I'm yet to try agave in popsicles.

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    1. Jennifer, I felt the same way when I was reading your summery posts while it was mid winter here. I guess we can continue to live vicariously on other sides of the globe!
      xo

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  19. This is beautiful! Thanks for the link to the popsicle maker, love the old school shape. How long does it take you to freeze a whole tray? 4 -5 hrs?

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    1. Sneh, I haven't paid attention to how long the freezing process is. Usually I just let them firm up overnight. But I would think 4-5 hours would be plenty.

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  20. We used to make homemade popsicles with my mum when we were little so this post brings back wonderful childhood memories. Gorgeous pictures too - so full of summery warmth :-)

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    1. I love those memories and it's so fun to hear how many of us have made popsicles with our moms. Ah... simple childhood pleasures!

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  21. These popsicles are such a beautiful summer treat, I love their vibrant color!

    and I have to tell you, it makes my heart melt to see the kids so involved in the kitchen :)

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    1. M, even us grown ups shouldn't feel shy about popsicles, right? I've also been thinking about boozy pops for adults:)
      I hope you are well! We should try to grab a cup of coffee sometime. It would be fun to actually meet.
      xo
      E

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    2. I've been thinking about it too, maybe after your trip?

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  22. Gorgeous photos! Love the colours!!!

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    1. Thanks goboroot - I always love what you do too.
      xo

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  23. These look fantastic, so pretty too. I want a creamy chocolate one. Great pictures!

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    1. Oli, remember Fudgesicles? Do they still have those? I bet you could make some with coconut milk and chocolate. Yum!

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  24. Love the shape of your popsicles! Enjoy your summer, we're just battening down the hatches and preparing for a lovely wet winter :-/
    Safe travels, can't wait to see your gorgeous pics! xx

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    1. Thanks Emma! I so clearly remember reading your blog when we were in deep winter and you guys were all sunny. Now the roles have reversed:) I hope a nice wet winter is good for all of the yummy plants.
      xxoo
      E

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  25. beautiful pictures, and yummy flavor choice. We made coconut milk and roasted strawberry popsicles the other day and they were such a huge hit with the kids!
    sarah @ two-tarts

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    1. Sarah, I checked out your roasted strawberry and coconut milk pops and they looked awesome! What a perfect flavor combo. You've got lucky kids!

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  26. Erin - these look simply delicous! I need to pick up some agave syrup soon. I adore a great popsicle and need to make some this summer. Enjoy your vacation and look forward to seeing your adventures.

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    1. Hi Lisa, I am so happy about our summery weather these days. I want to make Popsicles every day!
      I hope you are well. xo

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  27. Awaiting your travel photos so that I can live vicariously through you!! These popsicles look so summery and refreshing, can't wait to get some molds of my own.

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    1. Stephanie! I'm sure you would whip up some delicious popsicles:) Can't wait to see.
      xo
      E

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  28. These look so delicious! After trying the best popsicles ever last year (at the Hyppo in St. Augusting, FL) I've been obsessed. Can't wait to try these!

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    1. Angela, I can only imagine that a popsicle in that Florida heat must taste extra good! What was the flavor?

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  29. These look so delicious and refreshing -- I can't wait to make them! And, I look forward to seeing photos from your travels. Have a great trip! xo

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    1. Hey there Laura, I know how hot NY summers are. Popsicles are a must;)
      xo
      E

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  30. Okay, I added these popsicle molds to my Amazon wish list. Thanks for the link!
    They will be a summer project one of these days! They look so pretty and perfect for BBQ.

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  31. Hi Jillian, Oooh you're right. Popsicles and BBQ - that says summer to me:)

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  32. It doesn't really feel like summer until one is slurping a popsicle. Yours look perfect. Have a safe and happy trip - looking forward to seeing the photos and recipes!

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    1. Renee, I totally agree. Here's to summertime and cold sweet treats!

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  33. I love strawberry lemonade SO much!

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  34. Oh I remember those days of spending an entire day running around with the neighbors, and falling into bed dead tired. How I dream of warm summer days and popsicles. We're getting ready for a 2-week trip to Sicily, but I wish it was a month! Can't wait to hear about your adventures. xo

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    1. Kasey, I cannot wait to hear about and see your pix from Sicily - a place I've always wanted to visit. Have a great trip!
      xo
      E

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  35. yummmy & irresistable..awesome cliks
    new to your space
    happy following you..:)
    do stop by mine sometime
    Tasty Appetite

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    1. Thanks Jay. I'll check out your site:)

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  36. AnonymousJune 19, 2012

    We are addicted to making popsicles now. Jake's favorite are when i add some greek yogurt to the mix. Thanks again for this post.

    Jennifer Burt

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    1. Yay Jennifer. I bet Greek yogurt is a delicious addition!
      I hope to run into you guys again soon.
      xxoo
      E

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  37. I love that final shot, the one from above. Gorgeous!

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  38. I cooked once with sons of my sister and it was a blast, they were so into everything. And this icecreams would be perfect for a hot summer days :)

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  39. Erin, sorry I haven't visited for a while.

    That first photo is sooo yummy! Beautiful shot! It is hot today and I am wishing I have one of those sicle here :).

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    1. Hey there Jenn! So nice to hear from you. I hope all is well with you. Wish I could send one of these popsicles your way;) xxoo

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  40. Where can I buy the popsicle mold?

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So good to hear from you... I appreciate each and every note you leave for me!

Thanks,
E