Yummy Popsicles

Step 1: Making the Popsicle Mix The first thing you have to do is creating the base of the Popsicle. You can either decide between a water-based or dairy-based recipe.

If you choose a water-based recipe: 1. First dissolve your sugar in hot water. 2. Once the mixture has cooled down, you can add your flavoring. Mostly it’s a fruit. 3. Mash it in a blender or with a fork if you don’t have a blender. 4. If you want it to be smooth and seedless, blend the fruit thoroughly and push the pulp through a sieve. 5. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, blend the mixture for less time and don't strain it. It depends on your personal preferences.

If you choose a dairy-based recipe: 1. Choose between milk or all-purpose cream 2. Once you’ve chosen, combine it with sugar, salt, spice, juice and zest in saucepan over medium heat. 3. Not every recipe is requiring cooking. There you simply combine all ingredients, mix and pour it into the molds.

Step 2: Molding 1. No matter what type of mold you are using, the basic process stays the same. 2. Once your mix is ready, carefully pour it into your popsicle molds, leaving about one-quarter inch (0,5 cm) of room at the top as the popsicles will expand as they freeze. 3. Wipe any excess mixture from the top so that the residue doesn't freeze and make unmolding difficult.

Step 3: Freezing Using conventional molds with built-in sticks: 1. Cover the molds with the lids after filling. Then place them into the freezer until frozen, approximately five hours.

Using molds requiring a stick: 1. Freeze them as they are until they are partially frozen. It should take about 2 hours. 2. Now you can slide the stick gently into the center of the mold. There it should stand on its own. 3. Return it to the freezer until they are completely frozen.

Freezing times vary depending on: • Effectiveness of your freezer • Your pop base • Type of mold you're using

For the best results, place your molds towards the back of the freezer where it's coldest. You can leave pops in their molds for several days, though it's best to unmold within a day so they don't discolor or change texture. Step 4: Unmolding There are several ways to unmold ice pops. Dipping Method 1. Fill container that is at least as tall as your mold with warm not hot water. 2. Briefly dip the molds in until the pops loosen, about 20 to 30 seconds. 3. Remove the molds from the water and place it on a sturdy surface. 4. Gently pull the sickles upward to get nice, clean pops. 5. If it feels like a struggle to unmold, leave the pops in the warm water a little longer. Room Temperature Method Alternatively, simply let the ice pops sit at room temperature until they can be easily removed from their mold. To this technique, the pops won't have clean edges, and the process can be messy, especially when making dairy-based pops. Running Water Method A third option is to run the individual molds under warm water, but this can be a little uneven, which is why it is recommended to use dipping method instead. Popsicles that contain fruit chunks or are creamy, tend to be a bit harder to unmold. You just have to take your time and be patient.

Once unmolded, they are ready to be devoured. Wrap pops in reseal able plastic bags or store them in airtight plastic containers. You should use wax paper or plastic wraps to layer them to prevent sticking. Freeze them for at least 30 more minutes. This second freezing helps ice pops hold their shape a bit better so they won't melt quite so quickly while you're eating them. If well wrapped, ice pops will keep for three to four weeks. After that, they start to lose their flavor.

#popsicles