Everyone in my family has mostly adopted my way of eating. My husband and teenage daughters understand the link between food and how they feel — and in the case of my daughters, how they look. My 11-year-old son, whom I fondly call Mr. Picky, has been slower to come around. He quietly wishes I were a “cool mom,” the kind who buys the highly processed, brightly packaged stuff he points at in the grocery aisle and calls “unhealthy food.”
That said, Mr. Picky is not deprived. I’m not one of those parents who forbids every sweet or fun snack. But there are some ingredients that simply don’t cross our threshold — artificial colors being one of them. When he asks, “Why can’t we have ____?” (insert any kid-targeted, neon-colored packaged product), I either explain why those food-like impostors aren’t great for health or I tell him plainly, “Because I love you too much.” He usually rolls his eyes, though less now than a year ago.
Right before dropping him off at sleepaway camp for 13 days, my husband reminded him to shower (pool and lake swimming don’t count), brush his teeth, use sunscreen and stay hydrated. The instant I opened my mouth to add anything, Mr. Picky cut me off and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I got it. Don’t forget to eat protein. No high-fructose corn syrup and not too much junk food.” I was speechless — I hadn’t intended to bring up food at all. Then I laughed and told him to have the best time. Busted.
Because he would be at camp on the 4th of July, I surprised him with red, white and blue popsicles. They’re completely natural — really natural, not the loosely used “natural” that often appears on labels. These popsicles are simply fruit, a creamy coconut layer sweetened with honey, and more fruit. Simple, real ingredients that still taste exciting.
I think these popsicles are a great, wholesome alternative to Bomb Pops and other artificially colored frozen treats. They’re straightforward to make and taste fresh, like a sorbet for the fruit layers with a silky coconut middle. I tasted each layer before freezing to balance the sweetness — you should do the same. If your fruit isn’t very sweet, you can add a touch more honey to taste.
They were a big hit with my kids, including Mr. Picky. My daughters said they tasted like a very fresh sorbet, and my son surprised me by saying, “Wow, Mom. These are actually pretty good,” before going back for a second. I miss him already, but those popsicles made leaving a little sweeter.
Red, White and Blue Popsicles Recipe (fruit-based, all natural)
By Pamela
Ingredients
- 7 ounces hulled strawberries*
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (brands vary; use one you like)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon honey, or more to taste
- 1½ cups blueberries*
Instructions
- Place the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom third of your popsicle molds. Insert the sticks and place the molds in the freezer until that layer is solid, about 1 hour.
- Combine the coconut milk, vanilla and honey in a measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Remove the molds from the freezer and pour the coconut mixture on top of the frozen strawberry layer, leaving the top third of the molds empty. Return the molds to the freezer and chill for 30–45 minutes until the coconut layer is firm enough to support the final layer. If it’s still too soft, freeze a bit longer so the layers remain distinct.
- Blend the blueberries until they reach a liquid consistency. Remove the molds again and pour the blueberry mixture into the top third of each mold, over the set coconut layer. Freeze until completely solid, about 1 hour or longer depending on your freezer.
- To unmold, run the outside of the popsicle mold briefly under warm water to loosen and gently pull out each popsicle.
Notes
*Taste each fruit mixture before freezing. If your strawberries or blueberries aren’t very sweet, add a little honey or your preferred sweetener to taste so the popsicles have a balanced sweetness.
Tip: Use stainless steel or sturdy silicone popsicle molds for best results; they help the popsicles release cleanly and can keep layers defined. Enjoy this simple, colorful frozen treat for summer gatherings, patriotic holidays or anytime you want a wholesome, refreshing snack.
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below if you try it — I love hearing how you tweak flavors or which fruit combinations you prefer.