Strawberry Pudding Pops

This is the story of the time I bought strawberries.  Forgetting I bought those strawberries led me to buy more strawberries the next day....at Costco.  Soooooo, I had some berries on my hands.  We're still having long warm days here, so my mind is on frozen treats.

Do you remember how awesome Jell-O Pudding Pops were?  I will not even try and fool you into believing these are as tasty as the treats Bill Cosby so wonderfully endorsed.  You would never believe me if I tried.  I gotta say though, the fresh strawberries are very tasty as an add in.

These pudding pops couldn't be any easier to make.  Mix up ingredients, freeze, enjoy.  Loved by adults and the toddler set.  I'm now thinking I need to make strawberry daiquiris and margaritas (not for toddlers, but because of toddlers)

Strawberry Pudding Pops

1 small box instant vanilla pudding 

1 and 3/4 cups milk

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 Tablespoon sugar

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. 

I can't think of an easier way to use up the remainder of those summer berries. Except maybe those cocktails....

Red, White, and Blue popsicles

Summer has hit Seattle...in a big way.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy nice sunny days. However, I really wish I had a pool and air conditioning, and a cocktail.  However, I only have a kiddie pool and these popsicles.  Alright....I had a cocktail.

These popsicles are simple layers of fruit and Greek yogurt.  I shared them with our neighborhood friends in an effort to keep the kids cool and occupied. You can make them just in time for your July 4th weekend.  I picked up some popsicle molds at Target, but you can easily use Dixie cups and wooden popsicle sticks.  Pureed strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla Greek yogurt will give you that patriotic look.

The fun thing about these popsicles is that they are so forgiving.  You can just layer in the flavors and they're bound to turn out great.  I'll give you the basic guidelines for how I made these, but you can really do whatever you like!

Red, white, and blue popsicles

2 cups strawberries

2 cups blueberries

1 and 1/2 cups Greek vanilla yogurt

Puree strawberries and layer in molds.  Allow to freeze for about 30 minutes.  Spoon yogurt on top of strawberry layer (about two tablespoons), insert popsicle stick and allow to freeze. Finally puree blueberries and fill popsicle molds.  Freeze until set, 24 hours is best. 

Nothing beats a cool popsicle on a hot day. I can't wait to try different flavor combinations.  Toddler approved!

On a completely separate note, I have to update you all on some blog stuff.  I inadvertently failed to renew my domain name.  In the midst of trying to alleviate this problem, someone snatched it up!  Who knew yumsandloves was so desirable?!?  It's been a very frustrating process for me.  I have put a lot of time and effort into this blog and it seems like someone is trying to take advantage of that.  For now I have moved my blog back to yumsandloves.blogspot.com. Please use this if you are trying to access old recipes and posts.  Looks as though all of you who are email subscribers should still be good to go. If you haven't signed up for emails, do it! Then you'll never miss out. Thanks for sticking around, and don't be a procrastinator like me!!  Okay...back to popsicles!

Nilla Wafer Pudding Pops

Time for this month's Recipe Swap!  I missed last month, so I was happy to be back with the group for April.  However, this month's recipe stumped me....

Tomato Pudding???  The original recipe says the dish is a condiment.  

I like condiments.

I like tomatoes.

I LOVE pudding.  Since I have been pregnant, my craving for pudding has been pretty extreme.  Pudding I can work with. Skip the tomatoes, skip the condiments, it's all about pudding.

When I was younger, I loved these guys, 

                                                                                                         image source

They are pretty tough to find in the grocery store now.  They had a brief comeback, but they weren't the same delicious pops I remember from my childhood.  Could I re-create that delicious popsicle at home?  This month's recipe swap gave me the opportunity to try!

The days are getting longer, and we are having a few sunny days here in Seattle, so my mind is turning to fun and sun....and popsicles.  I don't have popsicle molds and during my last minute trip to the grocery store, I couldn't find any.  Perfect time to get creative and break out some Dixie cups and popsicle sticks.  

Also lurking in my cabinets?  Nilla wafers.  Why not combine banana cream pudding with some Nilla wafers?  This recipe came together in a snap!

Nilla Wafer Pudding Pops

makes 6

1 3/4 cup half and half

15 crushed Nilla wafers

1 3.4 ounce box instant banana cream pudding (small box)

In a blender mix all ingredients together. Put in small Dixie cups or popsicle molds, freeze, and eat!

This is the perfect project to whip up with the kids this summer.  You can get creative and try all sorts of flavors.  They turned out creamy and delicious.  Not quite like I remember when I was a kid, but a pretty good substitute.  I'm sure you could also use regular milk, the half and half made these popsicles thick and rich.  The possibilities are endless!

Please check out the posts from my fellow recipe swappers...they are all so creative!