Chill out with these fruity popsicles

In my house, popsicles don't go out of style or season. My kids beg for them every time we're in the grocery store and while I don't always give in to their demands, I do occasionally allow them a sugar-free variety. It seems as soon as they make it to our freezer, they're gone. My boys can down popsicles one right after another -- a good reason to make sure they are as healthy as possible.

Check out this chilly recipe, compliments of Publix's Spring 2008 Family Style Magazine. With a handful of fresh ingredients -- totaling a third of the Daily Value for vitamin C -- and a sprinkling of creativity, you can make your own sweet frozen treat.

Tropical Fruit Pops

Ingredients

• 1 cup guava, mango, or peach nectar
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup coarsely chopped or sliced fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwifruit, papaya, or melon)
  
  

NOTE: For a creamier texture, milk can replace juice as the binding liquid

Preparation

• In a blender, combine nectar, pineapple juice, and pineapple chunks. Cover and blend until smooth.
• Divide fresh fruit among 12 three to four-ounce popsicle molds.
• Pour blended mixture over the fruit.
• Add sticks and cover molds.
• Freeze for four hours or until firm.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

33 calories, 0 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 2 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 0 g protein

Feel free to mix it up -- try fresh raspberries with pineapple juice or give pears and white grape juice a go. Bananas and orange juice are quite a pair too.