Frozen Fruit Pops

I saw this beautiful picture of these delicious popsicles the other day. It didn't have any directions on how to make them but it mentioned using Capri-sun juice pouches and sliced fruit. We usually have both of those things on hand in this house - so I decided to give it a whirl.

What you'll need:

Capri-sun (or any light colored juice)

Assorted sliced fruit (we used kiwis, strawberries, and nectarines)

Popsicle mold

Slice up your assorted fruit

Fill up your popsicle mold about 1/2 way with your juice.

Let (clean) little hands fill up the molds with the sliced fruit

Let freeze. We left ours in the freezer overnight.

That's it! Easy and adaptable. The different fruit and juice choices are seemingly endless.

Eat up and enjoy!

Strawberry Ice Cubes

It's so hot outside. I mean H-O-T!

I made this delicious treat for us to cool down on the 4th of July.

Combine:

1 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

In a saucepan, bring to boil.

Add:

1 pint strawberries

and continue to boil for 5 minutes.

Mash up sugar and fruit mixture (I left mine kind of chunky, but if you wanted a smoother consistency you could puree it).

Place mixture in a ice tray and let freeze for at least 3 hours.

When ice cubes are frozen just add to glass.

And then pour in your lemonade - or any other drink that grabs your fancy.

I used this recipe for the fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The ice cubes gradually melt down and add more strawberry goodness to your glass.

Enjoy!

Chocolate dipped banana bites

I'm sure you've made chocolate covered bananas at least once in your life. I would have never, ever thought about making them into little bites until I saw it done here. Simply brilliant! They topped theirs with coconut, but I preferred the simplicity of just the two ingredients.

I made mine different then they did but I'm sure either way would be fine.

Milk chocolate + ripe bananas = yum!

Just cut up your banana into chunks and melt some chocolate. I used milk chocolate because that's what I had on hand, but I think dark or semi-sweet would have been better.

Dip your banana chunk into the melted chocolate. ..

...and make sure to coat that bad boy up.

Place on a waxed sheet of paper and set in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

Take them out and enjoy. The banana firms up real nice and has an ice-creamy texture. So good!

Ry-pie didn't like the idea of sharing, but she was kind enough to let Cal J lick her fingers at least. Kids are gross! :)

"Bacon and Eggs"

I've been making these for awhile now. I think I first saw them on the Family Fun website (but I'm not quite sure).

Here are the steps to make them

This one's my favorite!

Fun to make, and the kids will love them!

Candy Cane Cake Pops!

Have you ever heard of Cake Pops? Oh man, OH MAN! I had never tried them until this past weekend when they gave them out at a birthday party we went to. They are super fantastic. I made them following the recipe from Bakerella shown here.

Mine don't even come close to how cute or perfect hers are, but they still taste good, and that's good enough for me.

Start off with your packaged cake mix (any flavor you choose). Cook according to the package instructions. Let cool completely then crumble into fine crumbs in a large bowl.

Take your frosting. She recommends using the cream cheese flavor so of course I did too.

Use about 3/4 of the container of frosting.

Mix together.

Take a tablespoon or so of your cake mixture and roll into a ball.

Place in freezer for 30 minutes to firm up a bit.

This is where I try to add a Christmasy spin to them.

Meanwhile, take some candy canes...

Place in a bag. And let out all your aggressions by pounding those candy canes into tiny little bits.

There you go. Feel better?

Take your chocolate chips, or melting wafers, or almond bark, or whatever, and melt until smooth.

Dip your cake into the chocolate.

Put on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

While the chocolate is still wet sprinkle on your peppermint pieces.

Or try some dark chocolate with holiday sprinkles.

WARNING: SERVE WITH A GIANT GLASS OF MILK. Trust me on this one!