Fruit Yo-Pops
I wasn’t quite sure what to call these delicious frozen treats after I developed them, so I went to my audience during my Lunch with Leslie broadcast on Periscope, and we came up with the fun name of Fruit Yo-Pops! These cold treats are full of good-for-you fats coming from the yogurt, and you want to make sure you’re using grass-fed whole milk with preferably no added sugars. You could also replace it with a vegan yogurt if you’re dairy free or greek yogurt if you prefer. I also am using cashews in this recipe, so there’s even more added healthy fats! Years ago people were taught by mainstream media that fats are what make us fat, but we now know that is so untrue! Our body needs healthy fats for storing energy, cell function, maintaining healthy skin and tissues, and transporting fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K through the bloodstream.
Another healthy ingredient in these Yo-Pops is berries! You can use any type of fruit in this, but I am using strawberries and blackberries today. Berries are a great choice for healthy eating because they are high in antioxidants which help fight disease and cancer (yes!), are rich in vitamin C, and they are low on the glycemic index which means they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
To sweeten up this treat a little, I decided to go with honey as the flavors blend so well together. Honey is antibacterial and has been shown to be effective against E. coli and salmonella, and some studies have shown it to strengthen the immune system and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. I always suggest using local raw honey if you can find it.
To make this recipe, you will need either a blender, an immersion blender, or some type of way to mix up the yogurt and the ingredients into a smooth base. You will also need some popsicle molds and maybe even some wooden popsicle sticks.
Now that you know how healthy and great for you these Yo-Pops are, let’s talk about the taste! These are so rich, creamy, and delicious, even your pickiest eater will love them! Once you know the base recipe, you can quickly change them up and flavor them anyway you like! Get creative and please tag Go2Kitchens all summer long on social media when you and your family are having them! Let’s start making some!
Who doesn't love a cold, creamy treat on a hot day? Did you know the average American eats 48 pints of ice cream in one year?! That's a lot of calories and extra sugar! You can still have that cold, creamy treat but in a healthier way with these Yo-Pops! Make these for your family all spring and summer and be happy knowing you are serving them a healthy snack! As always, I suggest organic ingredients when at all possible.
- 1 cup whole fat yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 strawberry cut into small pieces
- 1-2 blackberries cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cashew pieces
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Add yogurt, honey, sea salt, and vanilla into a tall cup and blend using an immersion blender. You can also blend in a blender or using a whisk.
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Pour the yogurt mixture into popsicle molds leaving a small space in the mold for the toppings.
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Add cashew pieces, fruit, or whatever toppings you choose and using a spoon or popsicle stick, push the toppings down into the yogurt to distribute throughout.
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Place popsicle sticks into molds and freeze for at least 3 hours.
Copy by Marci West, Recipe by Leslie Nance
