Firecracker Ice Pops

I told you that I'd be making several things from the latest edition of Martha Stewart's "Everyday Food" magazine. Well, the Firecracker Ice Pops were first on my list for multiple reasons...the first being that it's hotter than Hades around here. (And it's only June! Lord, help me come August). Also, I love ALL things berry.

The pops turned out pretty good, but next time I'll make a few adjustments.

Ingredients:

* 1/2 lb. strawberries (about 1.5 cups), hulled & quartered
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 lb blueberries (about 1.5 cups)
* 1 1/4 cups low-fat plain yogurt
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (I added this)



Directions:

1. In a food processor, combine the blueberries & 1 Tbsp. sugar. Puree until smooth, pour into a bowl & set aside.





2. Repeat with strawberries & 1 Tbs. sugar.



3. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, 2 Tbsp. sugar & vanilla.



4. Spoon the 3 mixtures, alternating, into ten 3-ounce ice pop molds, making 3 to 5 layers each.



5. With a skewer or thin blade knife, swirl mixture together in an up-and-down motion. Insert ice pop lids/sticks and freeze until solid (2 1/2 to 3 hours).



6. When it gets REALLY hot, pull out of the freezer & enjoy!



My Tid-Bits:

* These were pretty yummy, but I would change up the yogurt next time. I would use regular instead of low-fat. The low-fat froze a bit icy. Also, I'd probably use a flavored yogurt. Plain is just a bit tart for me - even with the berries.

* You could also leave the yogurt out completely & make fruit pops. They would definitely be tasty!!

* These red, white & blue pops would be the perfect patriotic dessert for a 4th of July party.

* This is a guilt-free dessert!! Each pop only has 59 calories & .6 grams of fat

* Martha also recommends substituting 4 kiwis & 1 large mango for the berries to make Tropical Pops.