The Big Chill

As August creeps in, the temperature creeps up.  The height of summer brings with it a deep desire for cold, refreshing treats.  Frozen pops and elegant ices are the perfect palette pleaser.  With a sophistication that belies the ease of preparation, these desserts satisfy young and old alike.  Keeping with the simplicity of summer, the ingredient count is minimal -- say berries, yogurt and lemon juice, or fruit, sugar and a squeeze of citrus.  No fancy appliances or gizmoes required. Just a blender and fresh produce.  For children, serve on a stick by freezing the concoctions in moulds or paper cups (insert the stick after one half hour of freezing).  For an elegant dessert that is dinner-party worthy, freeze mixture in a shallow container and shave off slivers, piling them high is a pretty serving vessel.  Summer satisfaction guaranteed.

Inspiration -- fresh blackberries

Finished product -- blackberry and yogurt Tie Dye Ice Pops

Ice It

For a simple, fat- and lactose-free dessert, consider ices.  Tangy yet sweet, mango ice is flecked with lime.  With only three ingredients -- mango, lime (juice and rind), and superfine sugar -- this ice is more delicious than you can imagine.  Other suggestions for adults: the Pinot Noir-Infused Blackberry or Raspberry Limoncello ices from the Every Food blog. 

Key ingredients of mango and lime

Mango ice ready for serving

Recipe Finder

Recipes for the desserts featured above and those noted below see Martha Stewart Living:

• Tie Dye Ice Pops
• Blueberry Pops
• Creamy Orange Pops
• Fudge Pops
• Striped Ice Pops
• Neapolitan Pops
• Fruit Salad Pops
• Melon-Berry Pops
• Firecracker Ice Pops

At Canadian Living you can find recipes for the more unusual PB and J Ice Pops and Mango Kulki Pops.

Finally, the latest edition of American Vogue offers ten tasty recipes, including Caipirinha, Raspberries and Cream and Strawberry Ice. 

Photos D. Sleziak