When I was little I used to spend the most of the summer holidays reading books (I seem to recall racing through the Famous Five) and chain-eating juice ice lollies. This was in Greece, it was very hot, and in those pre air-conditioner days you had to cool down any which way you could.
I still adore ice lollies (or popsicles I should say. My son hears ‘lolly’ and expects candy) and they seem to having their 15 minutes of fame at the moment all over blogs, Pinterest, festivals and even bars. These days I have put the plain juice behind me and started playing around with fruit, coconut milk, chocolate and yogurt.
Sainsbury’s sent me a DIY ice lolly making kit to aid in my recipe testing and these beetroot and raspberry popsicles were the stand outs among many happy experiments. The inspiration came from a sorbet Vitamix were serving at Britmums Live. It may sound like an unlikely combination but it’s really a match made in heaven. Just don’t tell my kids, ok? I don’t think beetroot would go down very well.
If you find the hint of beetroot too earthy and vegetal (which is what I like most!) use half beetroot and half apple juice to dilute the taste. The raspberry beetroot purée can be served as a sorbet as well – simply spoon into bowls straight after processing. And since beetroot and raspberries are so good for you this is the one lolly you can have for health reasons!
Beetroot Raspberry Popsicles
Makes 4
250g | 8.8oz frozen raspberries
150ml | 5.3oz beetroot juice (I used Cawston Press Brilliant Beetroot)
100g | 3.5oz sugar (or to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Sprinkles to decorate (optional)
Method
1. Clear a space in your freezer where the lolly kit can sit flat and upright.
2. Put all the ingredients in a blender or mini chopper and pulse until you have a smooth consistency. Add a little more juice if the mixture is too thick.
3. Carefully pour the mixture in the lolly moulds making sure not to overfill. Place lolly sticks in the middle of each mould (or use the kit sticks).
4. Freeze for several hours or ideally overnight.
5. Take the kit out of the freezer and run it under some hot water to release the lollies. Pour some sprinkles on a shallow bowl if using.
6. Very gently and carefully pull the lollies out of the mould. If you are decorating with sprinkles push the ends into the bowl – as long as the lollies are slightly wet the sprinkles will stick to them.
7. Either eat straight away or return to the freezer for 10-15 minutes if the lollies have softened too much.
Notes: you can dip the lollies in melted dark chocolate (see lolly front left) first and then into the sprinkles if you like. The chocolate will dry almost instantly so you have to work quickly.
Disclaimer: I received a DIY ice lolly making kit from Sainsbury’s and the cost of my ingredients.
Sam Williams says
These look fantastic!
Natalie Crossan says
These look heavenly (and healthy!! )x
Anne Dalzell says
Having a good old nosey around your blog tonight and found these. They look amazing and like FAB lollies but i'm still a little scared!
prwilson says
Beetroot sounds an interesting flavour for popsicles, must give it a try.
otilia stocks says
Hello Lucy your recipe is featured today http://romanianmum.com/2014/07/fridayfoodie-32.html! Congrats!
Lila M says
I saw your post on #fridayfoodie. I absolutely love your gorgeous photography! Amazing!
Julia@ Vikalinka says
Beetroot juice? You are a genius! They look stunning and ARE GOOD for you. Win-win!
Glenda Gee says
What a wonderful combination of flavours.
otilia stocks says
Beetroot and raspberry – never thought of this combination but i bet my girls would love them as much as yours!
thank you for linking up with #fridayfoodie again x
Abigail Cullen says
These lollies look great and I bet they taste even better, what a different alternative to the norm in lolly flavours.
dina says
great healthy pops!
Kirsten says
These look delicious. I've never thought of combining beetroot and raspberry before. I'll have to keep an eye out for that beetroot juice too!
Angela Darroch says
Oh my – these are gorgeous! I've never come across commercial beetroot juice so I'll have to keep an eye out for this. Good job 🙂
Lucy Parissi says
That's funny – my local Sainsbury's has at least three different brands! Most are long life but the Cawston Press one is in the fridge section. I really like it to drink as well diluted with some sparkling water.
Lucy Parissi says
The colour is out of this world! And the taste is so intense. I love these!
Librarian Lavender says
Those ice lollies are looking amazing, I love the color!