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!

Berry Trifle

July Fourth is just around the corner! Hard to believe!  Here in Seattle, we are dealing with some major sun and heat!  It's unusual for us to have so many warm summer days.  It's really too hot for me to think about turning on my oven.  I just get too lazy when it's hot.  This is a perfect summer dessert because there is no baking involved and you can utilize those tasty summer berries! Also, as you can see, it's the perfect color scheme for your 4th of July BBQ.

This trifle is nice for those hot days when you want something sweet, but not heavy.  It's loaded with fresh fruit.  Angel food cake provides the base with a vanilla pudding and Cool Whip filling.  I so rarely eat angel food cake, but when I do, I really like it!  It feels like the perfect cake for summer.

Definitely bring this treat to your summer parties. It takes very little prep and travels easily.  A perfect dessert for kids and adults.  I added some red, white, and blue sprinkles to make it even more festive.  I especially love the little bit of almond extract the recipe calls for.  It's very subtle, but a great flavor enhancer.  Can you guys believe I'm sharing a dessert without peanut butter?!

Berry Trifle

adapted from Kraft

1 prepared angel food cake cut into cubes

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 Tablespoons orange juice

1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix (5.1 oz)

3 cups milk

2 cups thawed Cool Whip, reserve 1/2 cup for garnish

1 pound strawberries, hulled and cut

2 1/2 cups blueberries

Place angel food cake cubes in a large bowl.   Mix together orange juice and almond extract.  Pour over angel food cake cubes and toss to coat.

Whisk pudding mix into three cups cold milk.  Whisk for about 2 minutes or until pudding starts to soft set.  Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups Cool Whip. 

In a large bowl, or trifle dish, layer cake cubes, pudding mix, and evenly distribute fruit. Repeat one more time.  I like to save a little fruit to layer on top.  Refrigerate for at least two hours.  Garnish with 1/2 cup Cool Whip just prior to serving.

Is that simple or what?  You could easily add other fruit of your choosing.  Maybe even substitute pound cake for the angel food cake?  Might take away the "light" factor??

I hope you all are enjoying your summer and sharing good food and good times with people you love.  Speaking of....