Oregon Transplant: Nectarine Yogurt Pops

Popsicles are quickly climbing the ranks of my least favorite items to photograph. It's hard enough for this photography-newbie to shoot normal food items, like cookies and cupcakes.

Is the lighting just right?

Is that space between those two cookies too big?

Does that color of straw accentuate those cupcake liners?

Add in the concern that the subject of your shoot is melting away before your eyes, and you have a recipe for disaster. Since I have 2 popsicle molds which make a total of 8 pops, I usually photograph 4 popsicles at a time and leave the remaining 4 in the freezer. When the ones I'm working with get too "melty", I swap em' out. But I'm sure other food bloggers can relate to that moment when you're in the zone and the photos are looking great- and suddenly you have to stop to swap out popsicles. It's distracting and irritating. However, I'm thankful my popsicles actually melt as opposed to those un-meltable ice cream sandwiches that Walmart sells. Have you watched that video? Gross!

Go here to watch the video. Then I dare you to go by them at Walmart :)

I can personally vouch for the fact that my popsicles will melt. Thank goodness.

Pardon my manicure. It never ceases to fail that I'm wearing old polish when my fingers end up in pictures. Drat.

Make these popsicles! I love nectarines. I pretty much love all stone fruits- peaches, plums, nectarines, plumcots, apricots, you name it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- Summer produce is the best. I look forward to berries, peaches, tomatoes, corn, etc being in season every year. Why is it that summer-fresh berries taste soooo good? I actually found an amazing bag of nectarines at the local big-box store and couldn't resist. I snapped that bag up. And these popsicles were born. I simply pureed the nectarine until smooth to use for the pops. I didn't even add any sugar, it was perfect the way it was. I did sweeten up the yogurt mixture (but only with honey!). I swirled the yogurt mixture with the fruit puree, which makes it the perfect complement to the naturally tart nectarine. Yum!

Plus, how pretty are these swirled popsicles?

I know I'm constantly extolling the benefits of fruit, but I honestly find fruit to be the best snack food. Instead of sitting down to watch "Orange is the New Black" (OMG, so good!) with a bowl of chips, I sit down with a bowl of strawberries. Who doesn't like to mindlessly snack while watching TV? Why not make it healthy? I get my snack on, minus the guilt. And nectarines have just as many health benefits as other fruits. They are rich in antioxidants that fight against cancer, promote healthy cholesterol, protect heart health, aid in digestion, are low in calories, and high in Vitamin A.

How does fruit get such a bad rap??? I will never know.

What a ramble-y post. First I told you why I hate photographing popsicles, only to move on to my repulsion for Walmart's ice cream sandwiches. Which all leads to me shouting out the benefits of fruit. It would be interesting to round up all my posts, and figure out how I always end up praising the benefits of fruit. A game of "The Seven Degrees of Fruit", if you will :)

The hubby and I have a 6-mile run up today. Now, I have a confession to make here. I was really irritated with this training program the hubby put us on, mainly because I hate anyone telling me what to do. Even if it's only an app on a phone that I deem as "bossing me". I must have a problem with authority... Anyhoo, it's taken me a couple of weeks to get used to the program. Somewhere along the line, my attitude has completely changed. I'm enjoying having a goal. In fact, I told the hubby this morning that once we finish this race, I'm going to start a training program for another one. Just because I'm loving it so much! My plan right now is to start a 4-month training program for a half-marathon. I'm nervous and excited, all at once.

I guess all I have to do now is sign up for a half-marathon! :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ingredients (makes 6 popsicles):

1 cup nectarine puree (about 3 large nectarines)

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Puree nectarines in food processor until smooth.

2. In a small bowl, combine yogurt and honey. Whisk to combine.

3. Fill popsicle mold 3/4 full with nectarine puree. Drop a generous spoonful of yogurt mixture on nectarine puree. Using a knife, gently swirl the yogurt into the nectarine. Repeat until you've used up both mixtures.

4. Insert wooden craft sticks into popsicles. Place in freezer until set, about 4-6 hours. Run under warm water to loosen popsicles from mold. Store in an airtight bag in the freezer.

Printable Recipe