Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!

If you’re looking for a fun, naturally sweet summer treat, we have got something great here! Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, these fruity delicious rainbow pops are the bee’s knees on a hot summer day. 

We’ve supplied a list of fruits to create each color of the rainbow, but you can use your imagination too. Omitting a fruit, or adding one that’s not on the list, is totally legal in this DIY neighborhood ice cream truck extravaganza!

Ingredients:

Red: strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, pomegranate

Orange: orange sections, papayas, mangos

Yellow: pineapples, bananas, peaches, cantaloupe

Green: grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi

Blue/Purple: plums, blueberries, blackberries, grapes

Sugar, sugar substitute, or honey for added sweetness if desired

Instructions:

1. Cut up a small handful of the red fruits. Place in a blender and puree then set aside in its own container. Continue with the remaining colors, being careful to rinse the blender in between so you get the best possible color. If a little water is needed, that’s fine, and if you’re adding a sweetener, now is the time.
2. Into each popsicle mold, add approximately ⅕ of each color to create a rainbow. 
3. There are two different methods of adding the colors: 
   1. You could add all the red, freeze for several minutes, then add the orange, freeze again for several minutes, and so on. 
   2. You could add each color right on top of the last without freezing in between. 
4. Whichever way you choose, be sure to put the stick into the mold with the addition of the first color!
5. Freezing each layer in between gives a more uniform look to the finished popsicle. But adding each layer without freezing in between will still make a fun rainbow pop.
6. When it’s treat time, put a little warm tap water into a bowl and dip a pop mold into it. This will help make the pop easier to slide out of the mold.