pop! goes the veggies
Jesse Goldstein
Many years ago when I first moved to Nashville, a friend told me about Las Paletas. At this time, it was tucked away in a little spot on 12th Avenue South (it has since relocated twice, but is still on 12th South). Over the years, I've grown to love popping in for a popsicle - made with fresh, seasonal fruit.
This summer has been already been very abundant when it comes to garden produce, so I thought I would give a shot at making my own popsicles - controlling the ingredients and sugar myself. Making these with organic homegrown produce, I opted to barely sweeten them. You can skip the sugar altogether or add a little more if you like. When making your own, taste the mix prior to freezing and adjust accordingly. It will taste a little less sweet once it is frozen, so your mix should be just a tad sweeter than you want your popsicle to be.
Naturally sweet, I think carrots are an ideal base for popsicles. Once you add a little fresh ginger and a bit of lemon juice, they're good to go!
And nothing screams summertime refreshment like the cooling combo of cucumbers, lime and fresh mint from the garden. Seriously...amazing.
While I plan on making other flavors, both of these test runs were a true success!
Carrot-Ginger Popsicles
(makes 4)
1 cup fresh carrot juice
2 tbsp fresh ginger juice
juice of one lemon
1 tbsp organic cane sugar (you may substitute other sweeteners if you like)
Combine ingredients and stir to dissolve sugar. Pour into molds and freeze.
Note: like any fresh juice, the solids will separate from the water over time. To avoid this, place your pops in the freezer and check on them every 15 minutes. Remove and stir to redistribute ingredients. Once ice crystals start to form, place sticks into popsicles and freeze until solid.
Cucumber - Lime - Mint Popsicles
(makes 4)
1 cup fresh cucumber juice
juice of two limes
1-2 sprigs fresh mint
2 tbsp organic granulated sugar (you may substitute other sweeteners if you like)
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth, breaking up the mint. Pour into mods and freeze.
Note: like any fresh juice, the solids will separate from the water over time. To avoid this, place your pops in the freezer and check on them every 15 minutes. Remove and stir to redistribute ingredients. Once ice crystals start to form, place sticks into popsicles and freeze until solid.