Gluten Free Summer Treats

I don’t know about where you are but here in Pennsylvania it has been extremely hot the past few weeks.  So I thought that I would share some of the cool treats that I like to make for my granddaughters.

They are not only refreshing, but are better for the girls than the store bought frozen treats.  Besides with the Frozen Fruit Pops I control the amount of sugar.

                                               Frozen Fruit Pops

• 1 1/2 Cups of fresh fruit  (strawberries, pineapple, peaches*, or whatever your child likes)
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In a blender, blend the fruit, sugar, honey and lemon juice with 1 cup of ice until mixture is semi chunky.  Add another 1/2 cup of ice and blend until smooth.

Pour mixture into popcicle holders** and freeze until firm.  About 5 hours, or over night. 

*If using peaches or other fruit with a skin on it, remove skin before blending in the blender.

                                               Frozen Pudding Pops

• 1 small package Jello brand pudding mix any flavor
• 2 Cups cold milk

Whisk ingredients until completely mixed about 2 minutes.  Pour into popcicle holders.**  Freeze about 5 hours or overnight.

**Run popcicle holders under warm water for a few seconds to unmold the frozen treats.  If you don’t have popcicle holders you can always use bathroom size dixie cups and popcicle or craft sticks.  Just freeze slightly before inserting the sticks into the center of the cups, and remember to peel the paper off first.

I use Jello brand pudding because that is the only brand I am certain is gluten free.  But, as always, check ingredients before using.

I hope you and your children have fun making these and enjoy them as much as my granddaughters do.

Mary Blackburn has been gluten free since 1988 and is the owner of http://www.easyglutenfreeliving.com.  She invites you to visit her site for more gluten free living tips and recipes.  While you’re there, take a moment to sign up for The Gluten Free Gazette, her bi-weekly newsletter filled with articles and answers to your questions about gluten, gluten free living and celiac disease.