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.