As the summer months continue, we will all begin looking for ways to beat the heat. Since childhood, I’ve had a love of popsicles, but it wasn’t until I moved to Texas that I realized how amazing popsicles could really be. Dotting neighborhoods throughout San Antonio are fruterias and palaterias, shops dedicated to selling fresh fruit cups and Mexican fruit juice bars or popsicles. Until then, my popsicle experience was limited to cherry flavor and red No.5. I would never have imagined a popsicle with cucumber and jalapeño.
The paletas, often delivered through the neighborhood by a fellow riding an adult tricycle fitted with a cooler on the back, are always made with fresh fruit. The combinations are endless and delicious. The key is starting with the best and freshest produce. Add a little acid to cut sweetness where necessary and make plenty to go around. Try the recipes below for a fresh popsicle experience or come up with some combinations of your own.
savour... turning your popsicle stick sideways to get that last bite
SUMMER PALETAS
Cucumber Chili Paletas
- 3 cups cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 medium-sized jalapeño, rinsed with seeds and pith removed, diced small
Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth. Press mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and discard solids. Pour mixture into popsicle mold and freeze until solid, several hours or overnight.
Strawberry Paletas
- 3 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Process berries in a food processor until smooth. Press berry puree through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard solids. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into popsicle mold and freeze until solid, several hours or overnight.
Sour Orange Paletas
- 2 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into popsicle mold and freeze until solid, several hours or overnight.
