The summer heat has set in.  Our quest is to figure out ways to chill out, but still be able to stay outside and have some fun. 

As kids, we used to love for our dad to set up the sprinkler so we could play in it.  Building forts under the shade of a tree was a great way to get out of the sun. 

When playing Hide-and-Seek, it was easy to find everyone. They were in the shadiest places to chill out and stay out of the summer heat! And you just gotta love a good picnic!

One of the things we looked forward to the most was when Mom would come outside with homemade Popsicles.  Oh, yum!  All the neighborhood kids would come running. And that didn’t scare her one bit – she could afford to treat all the kids plus a few adults too, with this frugal recipe!

She often bought different flavors of Kool Aid, mixed it according to the package, but then poured it in Popsicle molds and put them into the freezer. Add some chopped fruit before you freeze for double the deliciousness!

The best ones though, were the ones she made using Jell-O pudding.  It was up for debate which was the best.  Chocolate and Banana made it to the top two. But occasionally, she would make a vanilla version and add chopped frozen peaches. Now, those were delicious!

If you are looking for a frugal way to beat the summer heat, make Popsicles for your own kids. All you need is some Popsicle molds, a few ingredients, and a freezer. 

They take very little time to make and pour in the mold.  Freeze for several hours, or until firm. Make them in the morning, and they will be ready to eat during the hot afternoon!

And kids aren’t the only one who like these.  Adults do, as well.  Just ask my son James, and the Country Boy.  Neither one has ever grown out of checking the freezer in the summer for these cool, delicious treats!

homemade popsicles

Chill out with Pudding Popsicles

1 – 4 oz. pkg. Jell-O Chocolate Pudding* (the cooked kind, not instant)

2 cups Milk

¼ cup Sugar

1 cup Evaporated Milk

Mix all ingredients together and cook according to the package directions.  Stir.  Cool five minutes.  Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze until firm.

Note:  This is an old Jell-O brand recipe, and Mom got it from the side of one of their boxes.  Although other brands may be less expensive, it’s always best to use the original brand, as the recipes are designed for their product.

* I just love the Chocolate flavor, and Banana comes in a very close second, but any flavor will do.  You can even experiment by adding chunks of frozen fruit. Chop the fruit and freeze the chunks for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before using. Stir them in after the five-minute cooling period, but before you pour the mixture into the molds.

Enjoy the Summer!

Ready for more Summer Fun? Be sure to check out these posts as well!

How to Create the Perfect Portable Fun

Delicious Summer Fun with Ice Cream

‘Cool’ & Easy Tips To Care for your Animals

The Luck of the Season

Lawn Games – How to Have Old Fashioned Fun!

Don’t Forget the Cool Recipes!

Banana Pudding

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Corn Salad

Broccoli Salad

The Best Chicken Salad

Lemonade

Julie Murphree is a blogger, newspaper columnist, and speaker on all things ‘Living a Simple Life on the Farm’. She is the author of \\\'The Farm Wife – Living a Simple Life on the Farm. She and her husband have 60 acres in NW Louisiana where they actively work on living as sustainable as possible.

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