Watermelon, Chili and Basil Ice Pops<\/p>\n
Level: EasyTotal: 8 hr 40 min (Prep: 5 min, Inactive: 8 hr 30 min, Cook: 5 min)Yield: 4 to 6 servingsNutrition Info<\/p>\n
These fruity ice pops balance sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy flavors for a refreshing summer treat. If Thai basil\u2014milder than regular basil with a subtle licorice note\u2014is unavailable, regular basil works perfectly. Sprinkle any leftover chili salt on sweet summer fruits like mangos, pineapples, or peaches for an extra spicy-sweet kick.<\/p>\n
Special Equipment<\/p>\n
Four 4-ounce ice-pop molds (or six 3-ounce molds) and 4\u20136 ice-pop sticks.<\/p>\n
Directions<\/p>\n
Make the basil syrup: Bring sugar and 1\/4 cup water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar melts completely, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add basil, and stir until wilted. Let cool to room temperature (at least 30 minutes).<\/p>\n
Prepare the chili salt: Finely mince the chile (seed for less heat, if desired). Mix with salt, then chop the mixture several times until the salt turns light pink. Set aside.<\/p>\n
Blend the watermelon mixture: Combine watermelon and lime juice in a blender. Strain the basil syrup into the blender, pressing the basil with a spoon to extract maximum flavor (discard the basil). Puree until smooth, scraping down the blender sides if needed. Pour into a large measuring cup with a spout.<\/p>\n
Freeze the pops: Fill ice-pop molds with the mixture, leaving 1\/4 inch of space at the top (it will expand). Insert sticks and freeze until solid, 5 hours to overnight. Unmold, sprinkle with chili salt (one or both sides, depending on spice preference), and serve immediately with extra chili salt on the side.<\/p>\n
Categories<\/p>\n
Healthy, Fruit, Watermelon Recipes, Chile Peppers, Gluten Free, Low-Fat, Vegan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Watermelon, Chili and Basil Ice Pops Level: EasyTotal: 8 hr 40 min (Prep: 5 min, Inactive: 8 hr 30 min, Cook: 5 min)Yield: 4 to 6 servingsNutrition Info These fruity ice pops balance sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy flavors for a refreshing summer treat. If Thai basil\u2014milder than regular basil with a subtle licorice note\u2014is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-top-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n