05 Aug Watermelon Popsicles

Watermelon Popsicles. The only food item that sounds remotely interesting with temps over 100° is Watermelon Popsicles.  Over 100° just happens to be what we’re experiencing here in Dallas this August and there’s no end in sight.

Every year at this time I lament as to why it is that I live in Dallas. Just ask my brother, Ted, who lives in chilly (85° in the summer) Illinois. It’s around mid-July that I place the call to him. “Why do I live here? It’s so freaking hot!”, I gripe. “I’ve been waiting for this call”, he says. “You say that every. single. year.”   After 25 years, you’d think I’d be used to the oppressive heat and humidity.  Yes, it’s hotter in other places and I’m thankful for the high powered air conditioning everywhere in this city, but it’s still MISERABLE.

The only thing that makes everything better? Watermelon popsicles. Even better? When the kids make the Watermelon Popsicles.

August is Kids Eat Right Month™, and what better time than now to get kids into the kitchen. I’ve been working with kiddos in the kitchen for over 15 years and for almost 7 now with my own kiddo (see above-that’s Ben enjoying his creation). It’s a passion of mine, really. In fact, check out this post or maybe this one to learn more about where I’m coming from when it comes to kids in the kitchen.

From an early age, there are tasks we CAN and SHOULD give our kids in the kitchen. The first thing? Invite them into the kitchen with you. Why is this so important? Cooking and feeding themselves healthy foods is a skill that’s tough to come by these days. By starting early, we get a jump start on building kitchen confidence. Spending time together. Teaching your child something that’s important to you. Sharing family food memories. Creating new ones. The skill development becomes a beautiful by-product!

So, back to that watermelon popsicle. There’s no recipe–just some sort of stick or skewer (think popsicle or kabob) and watermelon wedges, spears, triangles–any old shape will do.  Once the handle is placed, lay on a flat tray or pan-single layer and try to make sure they don’t touch-and freeze for 2 hours or until adequately frozen.

For those of you who prefer an actual recipe:

Ingredients

Watermelon wedges, spears, triangles or your preferred shape

Wooden or metal sticks or skewers

Directions

Insert stick or skewer into the rind of the watermelon. Lay skewered melon on a flat tray or baking sheet (single layer) and freeze 2 hours or until adequately frozen.

Works well with other melons, pineapple, grapes and strawberries, too!

I’m off to change into my bathing suit, grab a watermelon popsicle and hopefully chill out.