Lollies usually go hand-in-hand with parlours, school and the ice-cream man. They hold a near and dear place in all of our childhoods, but they’re almost never homemade—which, in our opinion, is the best. Instead of buying a stack of palettes that may just end up melting on the way home from the grocery store, try making your own. With the kids home from school for ‘summer vacation’ in this always-hot-even-though-it-is-rainy-season weather, lollies come in handy as a snack or refresher. If you are longing to relive your younger years or looking to please your little ones who always beg for palettes from the ice-cream man, then these yummy and more exciting lollies are right up your alley.
1 Avocado and Coconut
Avocado is in season, so take advantage of it and use it in every way possible! We blend avocado with coconut water and honey (delicious by itself) and layer it with vanilla yoghurt. Both mixtures are so thick that the layers freeze separately on top of each other and create a palette almost too gorgeous to enjoy, almost.
2 Mango and Coconut
Quickly take advantage of any remaining mangoes that you have and make a lolly that tastes exactly like a lassi but, in lolly form. Blend mango, a dollop of yoghurt, coconut milk and honey together. You can also add a dash of cardamom if you are feeling adventurous (this makes the lassi-lolly taste even more authentic). Pour into your molds and freeze overnight.
3 Watermelon, Lime and Mint
Watermelon is one of those fruits that always seems to be around. It is perfect for hot weather with its hydrating and refreshing qualities. Blend watermelon with agave, lime and mint and try not to drink it all before pouring into your molds.
4 Fudgesicles
Fudgy, chocolatey popsicles can very easily be made at home. Blend avocado, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and agave together and then pour into your molds. Freeze for 3 hours or overnight. Yup, we are using avocado again! It adds that fudgy quality to the lollies which makes it extremely moreish. Blend chocolate chips or nuts in with the lolly mixture or add it to the bottom of the popsicle mold for texture.
5 Piña Colada
The classic combination of pineapple and coconut is always a winner. Blend pineapple chunks, coconut milk and banana. The banana adds sweetness so you do not need to add any extra sweetener. It is like a frozen piña colada except kid friendly. You can always add a dash of rum if you are making for grown ups only (wink).
If you do not have popsicle molds, then there’s no way you can make your own popsicles at home, right? Wrong.
Popsicle molds can be hard to find and might often be what keeps most people back from making their own. However, they are not necessary. After all, who needs an extra thing in their already cluttered kitchen anyway? There are a few ways you can improvise lolly molds with things that you most likely already have in your kitchen.
Paper or plastic cups
Everyone usually has a few extras of these lying around from dinner or birthday parties. They make the perfect popsicle mold. Use them just as you would any other mold. Pour the mixture in the plastic or paper cup and leave it to freeze. You can either leave the lolly to sit out a bit after freezing so that it can easily slip out of the cup or, tear or cut it off (if you are too impatient).
Ice cube trays
So you may have upgraded to a fancy ice dispenser, but we can bet that you still have an ice cube tray or two laying around. These are perfect for mini-popsicles! Sure they are smaller, but it is a good excuse to have more than one plus, they make perfect party snacks!
Cupcake or muffin tins
The only difference between these tins and actual lolly molds are that they are not made of silicone or plastic. They are perfect for making lollies and are way easier to find than popsicle molds.
Now that you have your lolly mold sorted, and five creative and easy-to-make lolly recipes, there is no excuse for your kids or you to be depriving yourselves of yummy lollies this vacation!
