Cool. Fun. Easy. Unique. Fulfilling. Indulgent. Sweet. Refreshing. Memorable. A list of qualities that describe a wonderful summer and, coincidentally, a tasty summer treat. Once upon a time, we’d fill our popsicle ma-bob with sugary Kool-Aid, wait 6 to 8 hours, and out popped a frozen homemade sweet, and we were so proud! But then something strange began happening. People started adding yogurt to their from-scratch popsicles and juice and coconut milk and gasp! Fruit?! We learned DIY frozen goodies could be delicious and, dare we say, healthy… and the options were endless. One such recipe found on this journey of acceptance boasts a list of ingredients that seems, shall we say, interesting at first glance. Yet, when combined, creates a smooth and refreshing escape from the summer sun. All you need is a popsicle ma-bob and an open mind.
Frozen Chocolate Banana Pops
Ingredients:
4 large bananas
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
½ salted, roasted peanuts, finely chopped
Directions: Break the bananas into chunks and puree in a food processor until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the cocoa powder, cream, and maple syrup, and puree until combined. Spoon the banana mixture into ice-pop molds and freeze until firm, 8 hours or overnight.
Spread the peanuts on a plate. Run hot water over the ice pops to help loosen them, then unmold, roll them in the peanuts, and serve (or keep them frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet until ready to serve).
Recipe credit: Food Network
We learned DIY frozen goodies could be delicious and, dare we say, healthy.