Healthy and Deceivingly Delicious Frozen Treats: Vegetable Popsicles
In a delightful twist for picky eaters, the latest addition to the YUM! Healthy Recipes for Kids book is a selection of popsicles that cleverly conceal nutritious vegetables. Author and mother, inspired by the book "Ice Pop Joy" by Anni Daulter, has been whipping up a storm of healthy popsicles this summer.
One of her most popular creations is the Raspberry and Baby Carrot Popsicles. Made with 1 cup fresh raspberries, 15-18 peeled and trimmed raw baby carrots, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2-3 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey, these popsicles are a hit with children. The author, despite knowing her son's preference for raspberries, decides not to correct him about the hidden carrot content, referring to them as "strawberry ice cream" instead.
Another favourite is the Strawberry and Yellow Squash Popsicles, which are undetectable in texture and flavour for the little ones. Made with 8-10 fresh strawberries, 1 peeled and diced yellow squash, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2-3 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey, these popsicles are a sweet and savoury treat.
For those who prefer berries, the Blackberry, Blueberry, and Spinach Popsicles are a refreshing option. With 1/2 cup blackberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup fresh baby spinach, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2-3 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey, the sweetness of the berries blends well with the savoury spinach.
The author uses Greek yogurt as the dairy base for all her popsicles due to its high protein and probiotic content. She also opts for light agave nectar as a sweetener. To make these popsicles, the ingredients are blended until smooth and frozen in pop molds.
For those looking to experiment, the author offers tips for creating hidden vegetable popsicles. She suggests using mild-flavoured pureed vegetables like carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, or cauliflower. Blending these veggies smoothly with fruit and yogurt helps mask texture and taste. Adjusting sweetness with agave nectar ensures a pleasant flavour, while adding a bit of vanilla extract or lemon juice can enhance flavour balance.
The author encourages readers to check out the other amazing ideas in the YUM! Healthy Recipes for Kids book. With these delicious and nutritious popsicles, kids can enjoy a tasty treat while getting their daily dose of vegetables.
Cooking these nutritious and delicious vegetable-filled popsicles has significantly enhanced the food-and-drink lifestyle at home, making it easier for parents to encourage healthy eating for their children. The author's clever approach to healthy cooking, particularly her hidden vegetable popsicles, opens up numerous possibilities for integrating vegetables into the picky eater's lifestyle within the home-and-garden setting, promoting a healthier lifestyle overall.
