Popsicles

Popsicles are a refreshing treat in the summer heat, and these homemade ones can't be beat!

Really though, these are naturally sweetened, have no artificial colors or flavors and are still cheap. And tasty.  You could totally have one for breakfast. It's basically a frozen smoothie. I always forget to take pictures of stuff, so I'll try to remember the next time I make some.

I have two sets of popsicle molds. Some cheap ones from Ikea (in pink) and a set from Amazon that is similar, but not identical, to these. I prefer the latter, but really any old popsicle mold will do just fine.


Banana Fudge Pops

from Real Food Real Deals (I like a lot of her recipes)

2 cups sliced ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
2 T maple syrup
1/2 t vanilla

Blend everything until smooth, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze.




Strawberry Mango Lime Popsicles

from Cupcakes and Kale Chips

half of one mango
1 cup of strawberries
1/4 cup lime juice
1-2 T honey or maple syrup


Blend everything until smooth, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

Sicilian Lentil Pasta Sauce

This pasta sauce is hearty, filling, and cheap. I like to make a batch (or two) and stick it in the freezer for a couple of later meals. It's also a great food storage recipe!

2 t olive oil
1 c chopped onion
2 c fresh sliced mushrooms
1 small zucchini, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry lentils
3 cups water
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1.5 t white sugar
1/2 cup water

Saute vegetables in oil in a large saucepan. Add lentils and water and simmer 45-60 minutes, until lentils are tender, but not mushy. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, sugar and water, Simmer 20 minutes.

Sweet Potato Waffles

I like to keep a stash of waffles or muffins or both in the freezer for quick snacks or meals for little Lauren. These are whole grain, low sugar, and have sweet potato, one of favorite veggies!

1/2 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
1 and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

Stir together dry ingredients. Beat together sweet potato, honey or brown sugar, oil, egg and buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients. Cook in waffle maker.

I usually serve these to the babe with applesauce or whatever fruit puree I have in the freezer (currently mango).

How do you sneak veggies into your recipes?

P.S. Stay tuned for a couple of great slow cooker recipes later this week!