Yesterday I said that summer vacations and activities can put a strain on your budget.  When we get stressed about money, life can seem more difficult and overwhelming.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on snacks or desserts!

Try this simple and economical one (as in easy and cheap)  that even your preschooler can help prepare and EVERYONE in the family will enjoy eating.

COOL AND REFRESHING ICE POPS: Simply pour grape, apple, orange or any other juice into 3 ounce paper cups.  For a less sweet, less concentrated pop, dilute the juice with water.  Put in the freezer (stand the cups up in a plastic container so they won’t tip over…you can also cover each cup with plastic wrap).  After the cups have been in the freezer for about 90 minutes, insert a popsicle stick into each cup and return to the freezer till completely frozen.  Tear away the paper cup and you will have a delicious, healthful, economical ice pop for snack-time or dessert.  So much less expensive than buying ready-made pops from the store.  And, NO preservatives or additives!

For a more “gourmet” ice pop (this one will taste like a creamsicle):

1. Put 1 cup softened vanilla ice cream or ice milk, 1 cup orange sherbet and 1 (11 oz) can mandarin orange sections (drained) into a blender and pulse till well-blended.
2. Spoon into 3 oz paper cups.
3. Cover and freeze till firm (about 90 minutes).
4. Insert popsicle sticks if desired…or your child can eat it out of the cup with a spoon.

Important tip: You and your child can experiment with different fruit, sherbet, ice cream and yogurt combinations.