It’s getting mighty warm, mighty quickly, out here in South Louisiana. I wanted a healthier alternative to those corn-syrup-filled “cool pops” most of us grew up eating. Not only did I want them healthier, I really needed them to be QUICK & EASY.
I’m all about simple, quick, and easy.
I also wanted an easy-to-use AND easy-to-clean popsicle mold that wasn’t too expensive, too small, or makes too few popsicles at once… and is not easily breakable.
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Lo and behold! THESE are working out great!
It’s a silicone mold, really sturdy, has a lid, comes with wooden sticks, individual storage bags, and holds 10 popsicles at once.
It’s not a bad price either. If you think about it – you can make an endless supply of healthier popsicles for a one-time decent price.
Easy steps to make the popsicles:
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- Brew the tea.
- Sweeten & add whatever you want.
- Pour into molds
- Freeze & Enjoy!
You can certainly use fruit juice, or whatever other liquid you want to enjoy as a popsicle. The main thing here is for us to be able to control the extra sugar intake where we can, and also to provide a more nutritious alternative.
Usually, fruit juice has a ton of sugar in it, plus it’s been pasteurized, which usually kills a lot of the nutrition of the original juice. If you can make your own juice, this would be the best alternative.
Let’s make some Berry Tea Popsicles!
First, boil 2 cups of water. Then, pour on top of 4 tea bags to brew the tea for about 5-10 minutes. Sometimes, I begin this process, and come back to it an hour later. Ooops.
This is the tea we use:
You can also get this sampler multi-pack on Amazon for a really great price. Our kids love all the flavors!
Remove tea bags, and add sweetener. This is where you make your less-sugar customizations. For example, the typical lemonade calls for 2 cups of sugar per gallon, or 1 cup per half gallon, or 1/2 cup per quart. When I make these popsicles, I make a half gallon of tea to make at least 2 batches. Then they end up drinking the rest.
Instead of using 1 cup of organic sugar for a half gallon, I use 3/4 cup. Or 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup sugar works well. Adding fruit to the pops also adds a little more natural sweetness.
If you’re fond of Stevia, this is the best sugar-free alternative. It’s an all-natural sweetener, and the only one I recommend as a sugar-free sweetener because of it’s known safety in long-term usage. It comes from a leaf!
**FYI: I double this recipe to make more than just 10 popsicles. Then, I have to hide the tea from everyone in order for it to survive the fridge.
After sweetening the tea, add 2 cups of cold water, stir, then pour into molds. If adding fruit, add it first. Pour the tea on top.
This popsicle kit comes with a cute little compact funnel.
Cover with lid, and push the sticks into the top. The lid on these are great because it holds the sticks in place. Place on a flat surface in freezer for 2 hours. Run hot water onto bottom of popsicle molds for a few seconds to loosen, then pull them out. Place into individual bags if desired. And then make some more with the remaining tea!
Ingredients
- 4 bags of Berry Tea
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- Sweetener of choice (honey, organic sugar, stevia)
Instructions
- Brew the tea bags by pouring 2 cups boiling water over them, and brew for 10 minutes.
- Add sweetener. 1/3 cup sugar or honey per quart. I use 2 TBsp honey & 2 TBsp sugar. Add 2 cups cold water and stir.
- If adding fruit, drop fruit pieces into popsicle molds first. Pour tea over the fruit until mold is filled almost to brim.
- Cover with lid, insert wooden sticks, and freeze for 2 hours.
- Run hot water over bottom of molds for a few seconds to release.