Summer fun starts in the kitchen making creamy paletas

A cousin of ice pops, paletas are Mexican-style frozen treats that start with fresh fruit as their base.
A cousin of ice pops, paletas are Mexican-style frozen treats that start with fresh fruit as their base.

A summer treat that's fun for children and adults alike, paletas are easy to make and simply delicious. And while fresh fruit tastes best, you can use 1 pound of frozen strawberries, thawed and drained on paper towels, in this recipe.

STRAWBERRY CREAM PALETAS

Makes: 6 paletas

3 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon lemon juice, squeezed from 1/2 lemon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Place half of the strawberries, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Process mixture for 20 seconds.

2. Stop the food processor, remove the lid and scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula. Lock the lid back into place and process until smooth, about 10 seconds.

3. Add the remaining strawberries to the food processor. Pulse until strawberries are coarsely chopped, about five pulses.

4. Pour strawberry mixture into a large liquid measuring cup using a rubber spatula to help scrape out the mixture. Divide the strawberry mixture evenly among the ice pop molds.

5. Insert one stick in the center of each mold and seal with the cover. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or up to five days.

6. Hold the mold under warm running water for 30 seconds to thaw slightly. Slide the paleta out of the mold and serve.

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