In the summer months our bodies gravitate toward cool and refreshing foods. Unfortunately, most ice creams, popsicles, and sorbets are laced with processed sugar, gums, and emulsifiers. Before you blame me for ruining all your childhood ice cream memories, consider this nutritious and virtuous popsicle. Not only will this summer time treat cool you down, it will load you up with calcium, protein, omega 3's, Vitamin C, and fiber. Sweetened only with pure maple syrup and roasted strawberries, these popsicles are nutritious and balanced enough to begin your day with. Believe me, I have conducted extensive research.
Balsamic roasted strawberry chia pops
6 popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, halved
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups full fat or 4% plain Icelandic or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
tools
- popsicle mold
- sticks
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread strawberries out on a parchment paper lined sheet tray, toss with balsamic vinegar if using, and roast for 20 minutes or until strawberries are soft. Let cool.
- Place yogurt, maple syrup, and chia seeds into a bowl and mix well. Let sit for 10 minutes allowing the mixture to thicken.
- Place strawberries into a high speed blender or food processor and gently pulse until strawberries are broken down, but still chunky.
- Divide pureed strawberries evenly into the popsicle molds (about 1 to 2 tbsps per mold). Push strawberry puree to the bottom. Top each strawberry puree with yogurt chia mixture. (You can get fancy and alternate strawberry puree and yogurt mixture to create a pattern or insert a stick and swirl it around to make a design.) Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours. When ready to eat, run mold under a little warm water and gently slide popsicles out. Enjoy!
