Berry Patriotic Coconut Pops
I'm not big on showy displays of patriotism. See definition of patriotism:
Patriotism
is an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland. This attachment, also known as national feeling or national pride, can be viewed in terms of different features relating to one's own nation, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
Yeah, see. I don't do emotional attachment much. Sometimes intimacy just feels icky, ya know? Introvert problems.
But I do like to throw myself into celebrating holidays. A little too much. And what's not to love about the Fourth of July? Brilliant, pretty things explode in the air and go boom. Everybody loves boom.
Except my kids. Those little people who make so much noise, I turn the car stereo up to max just to drown them out. They're terrified of boom. What's up with that?
And my dog. Also reduced to a pathetic pile of quivering fear with every pop and sizzle.
So why do I like Fourth of July? I've already forgotten. Oh, right. It's gotta be the food. Like these patriotic popsicles.
Don't those look like the bomb? Yeah. They basically are. And so easy to make you'll immediately feel like it's your patriotic duty to whip up a batch. Let's start with role call.
We're going to make these frozen creations in layers that'll really pop. First we start with the strawberries.
Once you get those boiled and mashed, set them aside and begin with the blueberries.
Whisk together the ingredients for the coconut layer and get out your molds 'cause we're about to pour us some popsicles.
Start with the strawberry or the blueberries. Whatever dazzles you. Pour about 1/4 to 1/3 full and freeze briefly. About 20 minutes should do. Then repeat with the coconut layer, freezing again, followed by the last berry layer.
Stick it to it with some popsicle sticks and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
Prepare to be patriotically devoted to this recipe. It's a dazzling display. Until next time, friends!
Berry Patriotic Coconut Pops
Adapted from The Little Epicurian
Makes a dozen popsicles
For the strawberry layer:
1 1/2 cups strawberries
1 1/2 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp maple syrup
For the blueberry layer:
1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 1/2 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp maple syrup
For the coconut layer:
2 1/2 cups coconut milk
4 Tbsp. maple syrup
Directions:
Put pop molds in freezer to chill. Hull and halve strawberries. Boil them on medium with water and maple syrup until they soften, about five minutes. Mash with fork. Repeat the same process with the blueberries. Mix coconut milk with maple syrup. Pour first berry mixture into molds until 1/4 full. Freeze twenty minutes or until firm. Repeat with coconut mixture, filling until 3/4 full. Freeze again 20 minutes or until firm. Fill with remaining berry mixture, insert sticks and freeze until set, about 4 hours. To loosen pops from mold, run sides of molds under warm water briefly.