One lick will cool you down

As the temperatures outside heat up, cool down with some nontraditional frozen treats.

They're easy to make. Look for molds at discount or mail-order stores, or you can use small paper or plastic cups if you put a wooden stick or plastic spoon in the center.

For treats that will remind you of your favorite Popsicles, pour your favorite fruit juice or a drink mix (such as Kool-Aid) into ice cube trays. Partially freeze, and then place toothpicks in the center of each cube (or place plastic wrap over the top, secure, and insert toothpicks through the plastic wrap.

Yogurt treat: Mix fruit or jam into yogurt. Freeze in a small, snack-size bag for frozen yogurt on the go. Cut a hole in the end of the bag for easy access and eating.

Frozen Jell-O: Mix gelatin according to package directions and freeze. When partially frozen, add gummy bears or gummy worms, if you like.

Pudding pop: Make pudding. Mix in coconut, nuts, marshmallows, crushed cookies, or sprinkles if you want. Pour into molds. Freeze several hours until firm.

Frozen berries: Stick a toothpick in the center of a blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, or sliced banana. Dip in melted chocolate if you like. Freeze on a tray. Once frozen, store in freezer bags.

Watermelon treats: In a blender, puree one cup each of watermelon chunks (seeds removed), orange juice, and water. Pour into molds and freeze.

Strawberry pop: In a blender, mix 2 cups strawberries, 1 cup vanilla ice cream or yogurt, 4 cups orange juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Blend until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.

Banana pop: Dissolve one 3-ounce package strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water. Let cool. In blender, mix gelatin, 1 banana, and 1 cup yogurt or ice cream. Blend well and pour into molds. Freeze.

Fruit snow cone: Freeze orange juice (or any other juice) in ice cube trays. Store frozen juice cubes in a plastic bag. Blend five cubes in the blender until they are the consistency of shaved ice.

Source: www.livingonadime.com