Cool a fever with a healthy frozen popsicle treat: green apple and flax seed pops

You must be wondering why I’m writing about popsicles in the middle of October. Four words: cold and flu season. Popsicles are good to give kids when they have a fever, sore throat or get their tonsils out.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a freezer full of healthy popsicles to help your relieve your sore throat when you get a head cold or (god forbid) strep? A healthy popsicle would be a terrific treat to cool you down after a workout, too.

Try the 100% juice and fruit ones in the freezer aisle or make your own from Crystina Castella’s book, Pops!: Icy Treats for Everyone. It has recipes for healthy frozen treats like Carrot & Wheatgrass Pops and some not-so-healthy grownup ones like Sweet Martini Pops.

It’s fall, so I thought I’d try an apple based one. Since I’ve had two head colds since school began thanks to my kindergartner, I think I’ll lay in a big batch.

Green Apple & Flax Pops

Enjoy these guilt free. Some studies have shown that apples may fight some types of cancers, help reduce cholesterol, and promote healthy lungs. Flax seed also controls cholesterol, is rich in fiber and lignans (anti-oxidants) and omega-3 fats. Use organic fruit and no sugar added applesauce, preferably organic, too.

Ingredients:

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 cups pear juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 1/2 c. applesauce
• 3 Tbsp. ground flax seed

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine apples, pear juice, and cardamom. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until the apples are soft.
2. Add the pears and simmer for five more minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in the apple sauce and flax seed.
4. Fill the popsicle molds with the mixture. Insert the sticks. Freeze for at least 8 hours.
5. Remove from freezer and let stand at room temperature for five minutes before removing pops from the molds.

Variation:

• Maple, Pear & Flax Seed Pops: Replace the apples with pears and add 1/4 cup of real maple syrup. These would make a fun Thanksgiving treat for the kids to snack on before the big meal while they’re watching football on TV.

More popsicle recipes

• Icy treats for Halloween: sugar pumpkin pops
• Cool off with homemade popsicles

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