Thursday, July 3

Watermelon-Jalapeno Coolers & Pops

Watermelon is the quintessential treat for summer. I love that it's nearly calorie free, hydrates better than any soda or juice drink, and makes us all feel like kids when we eat it. Watermelon isn't just for seed spitting contests. This recipe will show you how to make delicious friendly coolers as well as popsicles.

I know any recipe that has jalapeno as an ingredient does NOT sound like it should have 'Cooler' in the recipe title. But I was pleasantly surprised, and so will you. This fruity concoction is a delightfully welcome drink on a hot summer day in Texas. It starts sweet and finishes with a spicy twist. Just the way I like'em! Watermelon season is here  ENJOY!

Watermelon-Jalapeno Coolers & Pops
In this zesty recipe, you'll find juicy watermelon loaded with vitamins A and C,
and spicy jalapeƱos containing capsaicin, which causes the body to release endorphins.
That happiness hormone creates an energizing rush.
SERVES 4-6
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INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 5 cups chopped, seeded watermelon
  • Ice, for serving
  • Your choice of garnish, sliced lime, watermelon wedge, thyme sprig

WHAT TO DO
  • Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes. 
  • Add the jalapeno and thyme and let it infuse for 5 minutes. 
  • Remove the jalapeno and thyme and set aside. 
  • Let the simple syrup cool.
  • Pour the simple syrup and chopped watermelon into a blender. Blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Serve cold over ice, or blend the ice in to give it more of a slushy texture. 
  • Garnish with a sugary sprig of thyme, blueberries on patriotic days or a wedge of watermelon and lime.

TO MAKE POPSICLES:
Carefully pour or spoon the juice into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. If using popsicle sticks, insert the sticks when the popsicles are partially frozen.


zesty, recipe, juicy, watermelon, vitamins A and C, spicy, jalapeƱos, capsaicin, endorphins, happiness-hormone, energizing-rush, sweet, refreshing, thyme 

4 comments:

  1. Oooh, yum! These sound tasty--and interesting. I love finding new recipes with ingredients that sound like they will be strange, because they are usually fantastic. Pinning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. These look amazing...and like they may benefit from the addition of rum. ;)

    ReplyDelete