Before and After: Smoothies and Popsicles

 I've had a nasty cold this week, and I haven't felt much like cooking. One thing I have enjoyed making, however, is smoothies. A cold smoothie feels great when you have a sore throat, and they are a quick and easy way to eat something reasonably healthy. As I was enjoying one the smoothies I made this week, I realized that they would also make excellent popsicles. I love ice cream, so I am always looking for healthier frozen treat alternatives. What I like about using popsicle molds like these is that you can put whatever you want in them. I am lucky to work in an amazingly well-stocked co-op where we have many types of bulk frozen fruits to choose from, so I took advantage of that and used lots of different types of fruit in my smoothies. Below are 3

smoothie recipes that I tried making popsicles with today. A few notes: Normally, I would probably use regular milk, but since I've been congested, and thought dairy products would make it worse, I used soy milk in these. I'm sure you could substitute whatever type of milk (almond, rice, coconut, goat, etc.) you like. Also, as I mention above, I can buy small quantities of lots of different fruit for variety. If you don't have access to bulk frozen fruit, just try one or two types at a time. And of course, when fruit is in season, feel free to substitute fresh fruit! Smoothies and popsicles are a great way to use up fruit that is bruised or becoming overripe in the warmer months. Each of the recipes below makes 2 popsicles + one 8oz smoothie.

Strawberry Melon

1/2 melon

1/4 avocado

1/2 banana

large handful frozen strawberries

small handful of frozen peaches

1/2 cup OJ

1/4 cup soy milk

Pineapple Mango

1/2 banana

1/4 avocodo

large handful frozen mango

large handful frozen pineapple

1/2 cup OJ

1/4 cup soy milk

Raspberry Lime

1 banana

2 large handfuls frozen raspberries

juice of 1 lime

1/2 cup OJ

1/2 cup soy milk