During the summer month’s kids and adults alike, look for cool, refreshing snacks that are ready to eat on those hot afternoons of work or play. Ice pops are a popular choice when kids need to cool down and a drink just won’t do. Buying healthy versions in the store can be challenging when trying to avoid high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavorings, and other additives. So what other options are there? Create your own icy, slush drink, or frozen ice pops with fresh berries and fruit. Sound challenging; what if I told you it only takes a total of 10-15 minutes!
Here is a favorite combination of mine during strawberry season that I enjoyed for years in my juicer, but using the whole fruit in the blender gives the added benefits of the whole fruit with its fiber. If making a cooler (drink) try garnishing with a whole strawberry and spearmint leaves, and for ice pops, try adding slices of strawberries in the pops to make it more fun and tasty!
Strawberry & Cantaloupe Cooler
Ingredients
1 Cantaloupe (whole, organic preferred)
2 cups Strawberries (hulled & cleaned/fresh or frozen)
1 sprig of spearmint leaves (optional for drink garnish)
Directions
- Cut the melon in half, remove the seeds and cut the melon from the skin, cutting in chunks.
- Put in high speed blender (like a Vitamix) (juice included) along with cleaned and hulled strawberries.
- Blend on ‘high’ for about 1 minute until it turns to juice. If the melon is a little dry or you are not using a high speed blender, a little water may be added to get the right consistency.
Options: Ice can be added during blending to make a smoothie or slush cooler. Another option is to place in ice pop trays and freeze for a delicious frozen fruity snack.
