FOOD SPECIAL................ Summer Cooler

Summer Cooler  Hot? Try a healthy fruit popsicle  As summer approaches, get going with these tangy-sweet, easy-to-make cold desserts     The next time you’re sweltering under the sun, ditch the high-sugar syrups, artificially-flavoured beverages and slushes and opt for a stick of cold goodness – the healthy, homemade fruit popsicle! Not only are they a natural fix, but can make for pretty handouts at your summer alfresco dinner party too. Best part? These fruit popsicles can be made with just four to five ingredients, or less. HELPS YOU STAY HYDRATED Having artificially-flavoured drinks doesn’t help hydrate the body, says nutritionist Naini Setalvad. “One glass of tetra pack juice adds up to 10 spoons of sugar; it makes you very hyper and all you get is a sugar rush after which it gives an energy plunge.” For parents who are finding it hard to get their kids to eat more fruits, this is an apt idea. Adds Naini, “This is a good option. Fruits help you stay hydrated. Most fruits, like yellow melon and watermelon have over 80 per cent water, so these melon pops with mint or basil or even lemon squeezed in them, are a delicious choice.” These popsicles are a nice way to replenish the minerals lost while sweating, says consulting dietician Sheela Tanna. “Try citrus fruits like oranges, maltas and sweet limes, which are thirst-quenching and have an instant pick-me-up effect. Pomegranate and lemon is an excellent combination too. Pomegranate is heart-friendly,     it has a low glycemic index and recommended for obese and diabetic patients. Add ginger to any of the fruit juices and purees; it adds flavour, is anti-inflammatory and a digestive. I would reccomend mixing coconut water with most of the fruits. It makes for an ideal addition for summer as it is high in potassium, lowers blood pressure and has less calories. Moreover, it is great for healthy skin and hair. Mix it with the coconut malai for a natural, fruity punch,” she says. BASICS : HOW TO MAKE THE POPS Mix the fruit you need in a bowl. Spoon it into your popsicle moulds. Pour enough fruit juice or lime water to cover the fruit. Put them in the fridge. After about 20 minutes, insert a stick in each and freeze. To remove, run under cold water for a few seconds, then ease the pops out. 8 WAYS YOUR DESSERT BECOMES A HEALTHY POPSICLE  Mango juici-cle: First vote goes to this! It’s healthy and is the fruit of the season. Make mango lassi-cles with mangoes, yogurt, a pinch of salt, cardamom and honey.   Kiwi-sicle: Fresh kiwis, juice of limes, sugar and water are all you need to make this. Strawberry lassi-cle: Prepare your strawberry and yogurt mix. Freeze in the popsicle mould and enjoy! Peach and basil-sicle: Puree fresh peaches, add some lime juice, ginger, a little water and basil leaves. Freeze. Vegan chocolate with pine nuts: Make it with coconut and almond milk, oil, vanilla beans and roasted pine nuts for the topping. Low-fat cheesecake-sicle: Skim the cream, use low-fat cream cheese, skim milk, vanilla extract and sugar. Nice for a mid-day pick-me-up! Sweet corn-sicle: Boil corn kernels, add coconut milk, a pinch of vanilla essence and salt. Low-fat fig-sicle: Use vanilla, yogurt, sugar and sliced figs for this unique twist.

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