These tricolored popsicles consist of two layers of strawberry purée separated by a layer of milk kefir dotted by blueberries. A special treat that is packed with nourishment: vitamins, food enzymes, beneficial bacteria, healthy fats and antioxidants. And they're perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
Treats That Are Good For Your Family
Popsicles like this tricolored version for the Fourth of July and this version of homemade creamsicles are favorites among children. Especially among children who consume a nourishing diet that restricts the consumption of processed foods, the inclusion of brightly colored treats like this one help to offer a sense of dietary normalcy. While parents, like me, who avoid artificial flavors and colors can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the bright colors come from real food as opposed to artificial colorings.
Benefits of Milk Kefir
Milk kefir is a cultured dairy food, much like yogurt. Like yogurt, milk kefir is rich in beneficial bacteria and food enzymes. It is also rich in a unique nutrient called kefiran which may account for many of its benefits.
Researchers have linked cultured dairy products, like milk kefir, to a reduced risk of bladder, breast and colon cancer. Milk kefir may also prove beneficial not only for achieving and maintaining digestive wellness, but also in the recovery of food borne illness. You can learn more about its benefits and how to prepare milk kefir here and you can get started making milk kefir here.
Strawberry and Blueberry Kefir Popsicles
Ingredients
For the Popsicles
- 1 pound strawberries hulled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk kefir
- ¼ cup blueberries
Special Equipment
Instructions
- Toss the strawberries, lemon juice and two tablespoons of the honey into a high-powered blender, and purée them together until completely smooth. Pour half of the strained strawberry purée into popsicle molds, and reserve the remaining puree for the final layer of your popsicles. Freeze the purée in the molds until it's firm, at least 2 hours.
- Whisk the remaining two tablespoons honey into one cup milk kefir until well-combined. Remove the single-layered popsicles from the freezer and prepare the middle layer by evenly spoon the sweetened kefir into a single layer in the popsicles. Once you've used up all the milk kefir, gently push blueberries into the layer of milk kefir and place the popsicles back into the freezer. Freeze popsicles until the milk kefir sets, about two hours.
- After the layer of milk kefir has set, pour the remaining strawberry puree evenly among the popsicles, and return them to the freezer until all layers are set, preferably overnight.
- To unmold the popsicles, hold the mold under lukewarm water for a few seconds until the popsicles release cleanly.
