Popsicle, My Popsicle

I am a truly loyal woman.  Monogamy is my middle name.  Strange choice for a middle name, yes, but you get the point I am trying to make here, so let’s not spend too much time questioning it.

I am also fully aware that I have already professed my undying love and commitment to my single, favorite kitchen utensil – the great immersion blender.  But seeing that it is Good Friday and almost Easter (and we’ve recently celebrated Passover and apparently National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day), there is a palpable spirit of confession and forgiveness in the air.  So with that in mind, I must admit the truth.  I have slipped.  I have fallen for another beautifully fashioned piece of culinary craftsmanship. Her name is Zoku.

She arrived on our doorstep a few months ago.  A curious name.  A curious present.  “What was this Zoku?” we asked.  And the marketing copy on the side of the box replied, “A DIY popsicle machine, silly. With our sleek design and a few simple steps, you can make the popsicle of your dreams in only 3 minutes!”

Perhaps it was from fear that Zoku was a pandora’s box of treats, that would multiply and grow beyond our self-control.  Perhaps it was because in a hasty, pre-spring cleaning effort, Zoku found its way to one of our highest cupboards, behind the coffee pot and the waffle maker.  But whatever the reason, Zoku stayed tucked away, hiding in the dark, waiting to be found.

Now some quick background.  A few years ago, I asked Boy a very simple question.  If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would that be?  Just think about it for a minute.  You can have anything you want (macaroni and cheese) but that’s all you can ever eat again (french fries).

His answer?  Popsicles.  No joke, this Boy eats a popsicle at least 3 out of 7 days a week, and I’m pretty sure I’m lowballing that average.  We are currently averaging a box of popsicles a month and although they are not too costly, and many happen to be very low in sodium, it would be nice to have another means of enjoying this refreshing snack.

Cue in Zoku.  It truly is a magical machine.  Literally, all you have to do is freeze the popsicle box for 24 hours and then fill each slot with your favorite juice or other liquid concoction.  That’s it.  In three minutes, you have your own popsicle, that is low sodium, organic, no sugar-added, and whatever other nutritional benefits you desire.  While we have only made versions of tangerine, orange, and tangerine-coconut popsicles, I am truly excited to test out some lychee coconut pops and perhaps even a white wine sicle, perfect for that backyard BBQ.  You can even fill the center of the pop with a separate juice (or yogurt!) and add in whole fruits to really make it special.  Throw in some spice, pieces of chocolate, maybe even some saffron.  The options are endless.

Here’s the only catch.  At roughly $50 bucks, Ms. Zoku is not the cheapest lady in town.  If you think of every box of popsicles you buy as costing $3, and if you are eating them with the speed and fury that we are, the purchase may make sense.  But if you are only a fair weather popsicle eater, take the tale of Zoku as a reminder that anyone can make their own popsicles – check out this awesome CHOW video starring one of my favorite cookbook authors, Karen Solomon. And the biggest treat of all is knowing exactly what goes in them.  You can’t find a healthier, more satisfying dessert if you tried.

Happy weekend. Go to the park and enjoy some sun.  And pop on.