When the weather is hot (and in many places, it certainly still is), a popsicle from the freezer can seem like a fabulous treat. However, they don't offer much in the way of nutrition, and they can pack a lot of sugar into just a few bites.

If you're a pickle lover, there's another option -- Bob's Pickle Pops, which can be eaten frozen or unfrozen. It's basically pickle juice in a pouch, and, if you love pickles, that probably sounds just fabulous. If you don't, I'm sure it sounds like the worst idea ever.

These Pickle Pops have been deemed by the USDA to not be a food of minimal nutritional value, which means they have been approved for school lunches. You can order 20 Pickle Pops for $19.95, and if you're so inclined, you can grab up a couple of bottles of Tex's Pickle Juice while you're at it.

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One of my favorite things to do as a kid was fill up the ice cube trays with dubious concoctions of fruit juice and soda and Kool-Aid. I always stuck in a toothpick as a handle, but it never worked. I'd end up digging the "popsicles" out of the tray, holding them, and making a mess all over the place.

But, if you get a freezer pop tray and use a healthier recipe than I did, making your own freezer treats can be a fun activity with your kids... with delicious results! Self Magazine shares some tasty options for freezer pops Ginger-Citrus pops, Mexican Chocolate Pops, Minty Grape Pops, Strawberry-Sunflower Pops, and Wildberry Pops. My son and I have already tried the Minty Grape Pops and they're delicious. I'm planning to try to Mexican Chocolate variety soon, too.

Also, be sure to check out Jacki's Tropical Fruit Pops recipe.

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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.

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