Raspberry Mint Ice Pops

All right, so it's after Labor Day. Which technically signals the end of summer. Malarky, I tell you. It's supposed to be in the 80's the entire week here, with nary a drop of rain. If that doesn't sound like summer, I don't know what does. And that in itself justifies one more teeny, tiny popsicle recipe :)

These are by far my favorite popsicles that I've made. Yes, better than the winesicles and the gummy bear popsicles with their booziness! Now, I may be slightly partial to the raspberries, but it always says something when I prefer fruit to booze. I highly recommend making these with your end-of-harvest raspberry bounties, you won't regret it.

Now, where was I yesterday and Monday? On Monday (the holiday), the hubby and I discovered that someone had dumped 2 very young puppies near our property. Never one to refuse caring for a fur baby and seeing how the animal shelter was closed for Labor Day, I didn't even think twice about boarding these guys for the night. It was a hot day, and we were headed to my sister-in-law's for a family cook-out. We decided to put them in the basement. It was hot that day, the basement is cool, and it has concrete floor (easy cleaning). I set them up with newspapers, food, water, toys, and blankets. I think they did ok while the hubby and I were out of the house, but they did not enjoy being in the basement that night. They cried all night long. I felt like slime. As soon as day broke on Tuesday, I moved them to the front porch. And suddenly, the world was right. The pups settled right down, passed out, and didn't make one peep from the porch. Sheesh. Should have put them there all along. Anyhoo, the hubby and I got them to the animal shelter yesterday. The employees told us that since the puppies were so young, they shouldn't have a problem finding homes. I hope so. They were sweet puppies, but you could tell they were going to be HUGE. I don't know what they were, they appeared to have some shepherd or maybe some Rottweiler in them.

So, that adventure is over. My dogs are exhausted today from "guarding" the house :) I'm having my morning coffee, and hoping these cuties find a good home. Maybe I'll have a popsicle later? Hard to say :)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup mint leaves
4 cups raspberries
1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, combine water, sugar, and mint. Cook 4 minutes, or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, allow to sit for 15 minutes. Strain liquids through a sieve, discard mint leaves.
2. Combine sugar-water, raspberries, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
3. Divide mixture among popsicle molds (makes 8 popsicles). Insert craft sticks, freeze pops overnight or until set.

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light