The weather's been getting pretty nice lately. Snow and slush are melting and finally making way into drains, winds have become breezes and freezing rain is now just rain. Spring is very close, and more importantly, summer is right behind it. The energy of spring and summer is reflected in the faces of people walking down sunny streets - it's coming!
To get even more excited for summer than you already are, make a batch of one of these eight amazing gourmet ice pops. They're simple to prepare, look stunning and taste even better. Plus, each flavor is only made with a few ingredients. All you need is a Popsicle mold, which can easily be found at a dollar store.
1. Mint Chocolate Ice Pops: These refreshing treats look just like the Baskin-Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream that we all know and love. However, these are made with healthy ingredients (but you'd never know it!).
2. Cake Batter Ice Pops: These cool snacks are the summer version of birthday cake-flavored desserts that have become increasingly popular in recent years. The fact that they're frozen cuts the intense sweetness and makes it a perfect flavor. Kids love these, but so will you!
3. Coconut Mango Ice Pops: These layered tropical beauties are so pretty and elegant that you can serve them as a palate-cleanser at a fancy dinner, as well as on your front porch on a particularly warm day.
4. Root Beer Float Ice Pops: These taste just like an A&W root beer float, but in solid form, so they don't get all melted and mixed together right away like their liquid cousins. It's the perfect dessert to eat after a dinner of burgers.
5. Marbled Strawberry Pineapple Ice Pops: These dairy-free delights are perfect for a hot day when you need something refreshing, tart and sweet.
6. Passion Tea Lemonade Ice Pops: These pops imitate the flavor of Starbucks' well-loved passion tea lemonade, but at a fraction of the price - and frozen!
7. Hibiscus, Ginger, Mint and Watermelon Ice Pops: These fancy pops are gorgeous and full of bright, fruity, herby flavor.
8. Mango Chile Lime Ice Pops: These ice pops are inspired by the Mexican snack of mango sprinkled with lime juice and spicy-sour Tajin seasoning. They're tart, sweet and a little spicy - and you will love them.
