Fudgesicles

When I was a kid, I used to love the summer. Not just because it meant no school, and long days playing outside- but also because it meant popsicles. My mom did not do “junk food” (read: sugar) but somehow popsicles seemed to have escaped that nasty title. So our freezer was stocked during the warm months with big sticks (cherry-pineapple), the generic twin pops and of course, fudgesicles.

Smooth and creamy with truly only a hint of chocolate flavor, fudgesicles are one of my most favorite and most nostalgic summer treats. This version is amped up with a darker, richer chocolate flavor that comes from more milk (less water) and darker (higher cocoa %) chocolate. If you are having a chocolate craving, and you need something cool, this will get the job done.

And if you want to spice things up a bit, you can add peanut butter (did that- it was good) marshmallows (think kids), bananas, nuts, anything goes with chocolate, right?

A few months back, with the promise of summer on the horizon, I made an impulse purchase at the grocery store. I bought a “popsicle maker.” Not molds, (which I have, love and use) but a maker that produces almost instant gratification for those of us with no patience and a burning sweet tooth. It is called a ZOKU? Have you seen them? Your ZOKU lives in the freezer and then when you are ready, you just pour in juice or the making of a fudgesicle, and a few minutes later, out pops a perfect popsicle! I happen to think it is really cool- which is why I am going to send one of you a ZOKU popsicle maker, because I think you will really enjoy it too. (By the way- this is not endorsed- I just think it is cool, so it’s my treat to you!)

Here is another “rainbow” pop that Pia and I made last weekend.

Coco prefers lemonade pops. And rum raisin ice cream……

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1) Leave a comment with your favorite type of childhood frozen treat!
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Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sunday Morning! Good Luck!

Fudgesicles, (makes 6 )
-1 cup whole milk
-2/3 cup chocolate pieces (I used 72% cocoa)
-1/3 cup sugar
-1/3 cup water
-1 pinch kosher salt
-2 Tbs half and half

1) In a small sauce pan, combine everything but the half and half.

2) Bring the ingredients to a simmer (not a boil) over low heat while whisking.

3) When the chocolate and sugar is completely disinigrated and smooth (about 3 minutes) remove the pan from the heat.

4) Pour the mixture into a glass bowl.

5) Whisk in the half and half.

6) Refrigerate the mixture until cold or overnight.

7) Place the mixture in your ZOKU, or into popsicle molds and freeze until frozen solid.

8) Enjoy!
(recipe loosely adapted from the ZOKU quick pops book)