Say goodbye to store-bought ices loaded with artifical flavors and food coloring! Here’s an array of 100% natural fruit pops made from fresh fruit. They’re refreshing, delicious, and perfect for a lazy summer day. A terrific treat for young and old alike. Orange-Watermelon Pops are pictured center. Also pictured: Coconut-Pineapple Pops, Melon-Cherry Pops, Grape-Mint Pops, Kiwi-Honey-Lemon Pops, Mango-Passionfruit Pops.

Directions

Make the Pops

Yields about 10 ice pops, depending on the size of the containers used as molds

Remove watermelon rind and seeds. Puree and strain. (You can skip this step if you prefer, but pureeing will give you a nice smooth texture.)

Transfer two cups of watermelon juice to a bowl. Add orange juice and pieces.

Place water and sugar in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until syrupy, then cool a bit. Add to the bowl and mix. Pour mixture into molds (see tip).

Freeze for half an hour. Insert popsicle sticks into the center of each pop and return to freezer until completely frozen.

Tips:

• If you don’t have ice pop molds, you can make these fruit pops in disposable cups or in whatever you find in your local paper goods store. Or use recycled yogurt containers!

• Make sure not to fill your molds to the top because liquids expand when frozen.

• Control the amount of added sugar. Some fruits, like mango or grapes, are sweet enough that there’s no need for any additional sugar. Consider the amount of sugar given in these recipes as a suggestion. Taste your pureed fruit and decide how much syrup to add. Remember that it will be somewhat less sweet when frozen.

• To remove the pops from their containers, dip them into hot water for a second or two, and they’ll slide out like a charm.