Gourmet popsicles are making their way as the newest food rage. You can see evidence of that in some way in just about every food publication you pick up, on any food show on television and all over the internet. There is hardly a specialty food market, farmer’s market or food truck anywhere that does not have some representation of these handcrafted, gourmet frozen confections. And why not? They are fun, creative, and in most cases, a healthy option to some of the overly sweetened, processed frozen treats that have been making the scene for years.
Ever since we browsed the People’s Pops stall at the Brooklyn Flea Market, I starting gathering a little inspiration for my own homemade artisan popsicles. We purchased fruit from farmer’s markets and condensed it into the form of a simple and nostalgic summertime staple. With temperatures reaching over 90 degrees while visiting NYC, the popsicles we made at my sister’s apartment were the perfect antidote to the heat — if only for a few minutes.
Ginger Tea Cherry Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups hot water
- 2 ginger tea bags
- 1 Tbsp. agave nectar, or sweetener of choice
- a pinch of salt
- 1 cup of pitted cherries (I used sour cherries)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Directions:
- Steep ginger tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes.
- Discard tea bags and stir in agave nectar. Set aside to cool.
- Add lemon juice and salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour the ginger tea concoction into popsicle trays and add cherries. Freeze completely (4-5 hours).
- To un-mold, place popsicle trays under running hot water for a few seconds.
Almond Pear Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups almond milk
- 1 pear, sliced
- ½ tsp. almond extract
- 1 Tbsp. agave nectar, or sweetener of choice
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
- Place almond milk into a small bowl. Stir in almond extract, agave nectar and cinnamon.
- Pour mixture into popsicle trays and add pear slices. Freeze until set (4-5 hours).
- To un-mold, place popsicle trays under running hot water for a few seconds.
Enjoy!
(Photo Credit: my sister, Jenny Norris – jjnorris.com)
