By Brenda Hyde

A favorite summer treat? Popsicles! The frozen ice on a stick that we all remember from our childhoods. Here are recipes to help you make them at home for less!

An Accidental Treat
The story goes that when Frank Epperson was 11 years old he created the ice treat by accident and waited 18 years before producing the first "Eppsicles" in 1923. Later the name was changed to the more catchy Popsicle. The first treats were sold for a nickel -- hard to believe when you look at the prices charged today!

You can make your own for much less. Sing a little song and pretend you're the ice cream truck driver when you give them to the kids.

A Basic "Popsicle" Recipe

Ingredients:
3 ounce package gelatin (Jell-O or store brand), any flavor
1 packet unsweetened, flavored drink mix (Kool-Aid)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup boiling water

Directions:
Combine all in a 2-quart plastic pitcher. Stir until all is dissolved. Add enough cold water to make 2 quarts. Pour into small paper drinking cups and freeze until it starts thickening, then insert a popsicle stick and continue to freeze until hardened.

For a Healthier Version:

Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon, seeds removed, cubed
Paper cups
Popsicle sticks

Place the watermelon in a blender and puree. Pour into the paper cups, insert sticks and freeze until hardened. You can use the small Dixie cups or paper cups that are a little larger.

Another Fruit Version:

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions:
Puree like the watermelon and freeze, insert sticks when partially frozen and continue to freeze until they harden (Overnight is good).

It's a frugal treat that the kids will love, whether they are toddlers or teenagers!

About the author: Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, wife and mom to three kids living in the Midwest United States. For more family friendly recipes and cooking tips visit Brenda at http://oldfashionedliving.com/recipes.html.

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