Homemade Ice Pops

[Knicke]

I just got a set of the Tupperware molds - we used to have them when I was a kid, and much as I like storebought novelty concoctions of all kinds, I like the homemade kind better ('cause you can pick your own flavors). I've moved way beyond the frozen Kool-Aid stage, and plain ol' juice blends are well and good (and homemade pudding pops are to die for), but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I think most granita recipes would probably work well as popsicles.

So far I've made batches of honeydew/mint (pretty good), balsamic strawberry (really good!), and two-tone raspberry/plain lemonade (alright). Chocolate-mint pudding pops also (these were quite good as well).

Any other ideas?

[Cusina]

We generally make them with sliced strawberries and strawberry yogurt. The kids eat them like mad.

If my children weren't such little dictators I'd try gingerale peach, with chopped candied ginger.

[petite tête de chou]

Edible flowers (torn rose petals, calendula, violets) frozen in a clear lemony-based liquid might be nice.

[Knicke]

Oooh, how purty, Petite! I'm going to have to try that if I'm ever in need of elegant-looking pops...

[Ling]

You could try making those Asian red bean ice pops.

[fifi]

Pineapple juice and coconut milk... pina colada sort of.

[sashimi]

Strawberry / cracked pepper (delicious)

Lemon / thyme

Mango / lime

Orange / ginger

Melon / mint

Tomato / basil

[Anna N]

...Chocolate-mint pudding pops also (these were quite good as well).

Any other ideas?

I make mango/cream pops for my munchkin but I would love to know how to make chocolate mint pudding pops for her. Care to share your method/recipe?

[Knicke]

Anna, I just made choc. pudding and then added a few drops of natural mint extract. Really, it's not very fancy - just tasty!

[tryska]

Mango / lime

i'd got one step further and add a little cayenne.

[Anna N]

Anna, I just made choc. pudding and then added a few drops of natural mint extract. Really, it's not very fancy - just tasty!

Thank you. I will give it a try.

[willows]

(Necroed)

Anyone have tips for making fruit-based (no dairy or fatty substitutes like coconut milk) ice pops less icy and crunchy without using corn syrup or gelatin? I'm experimenting with adding some jelly to my mixture at the moment in hopes that the pectin and sugar content will help. Another possibility I've thought about is prefreezing my pop mixture into a slush, blending it to break up the larger ice crystals, and freexing in the molds, but it seems like that will add a lot of labor. I'd prefer to just pour and freeze.