Red, White and Blue Firecracker Pops

These protein-rich frozen pops are reminiscent of our favorite childhood treat. This recipe makes use of summer’s fresh berries; frozen berries work just as well. We used lightly sweetened vanilla protein powder, but you can substitute an unsweetened protein powder and a sweetener of your choice. For a more vibrant presentation, add a few drops of natural food coloring to the blueberry and strawberry mixtures before freezing.

Makes 10 pops

1 1/2 cups milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
2–3 Tbs. sugar (optional)
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
½ lb. fresh strawberries, stems removed
Natural red food coloring or beet powder (optional)
½ lb. fresh blueberries
Natural blue food coloring (optional)

1. In blender, combine milk, sugar if using, and protein powder. Purée until smooth. Pour about 2/3 of mixture into bowl, and set aside.
2. Add strawberries to blender mixture, and purée until smooth. Add a few drops of natural red food coloring or 1 Tbs. beet powder, if desired. Pour strawberry mixture into frozen pop mold, and freeze 20 minutes.
3. While strawberry mixture is freezing, rinse out blender and pour half of reserved vanilla mixture into blender. Add blueberries, and purée until smooth. Add a few drops of natural blue food coloring, if desired.
4. Remove pops from freezer and carefully pour remaining vanilla mixture into pops over strawberry layer. Freeze 25 minutes. Carefully pour blueberry mixture over vanilla mixture, insert ice-pop sticks, and freeze until solid, about 3 hours.