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 jalapeños containing capsaicin, which causes the body to release endorphins.
That happiness hormone creates an energizing rush.
and spicy jalapeños containing capsaicin, which causes the body to release endorphins.
That happiness hormone creates an energizing rush.
SERVES 4-6
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.
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!
ReplyDeleteThey were really wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThese look amazing...and like they may benefit from the addition of rum. ;)
ReplyDeleteRum sound yum Ms. Moppins!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like your post about Watermelon-Jalapeno Coolers and Pops. The mix of sweet and spicy sounds delicious, and I love that the jalapeno adds a little heat. I have been so focused on my research in Edinburgh that I have not had time to try new recipes. A friend told me about a dissertation tutor Edinburgh who offered simple guidance. That support helped me finish my work and now I finally have time to try this recipe. It is good to see how getting the right support can free up time for the things we enjoy. I will definitely be making these coolers soon.
ReplyDeleteThe watermelon and jalapeño combination sounds surprisingly refreshing, especially with the sweet and spicy contrast. I also liked how the recipe turns the same mixture into either a cooler or frozen pops, making it useful for different summer occasions. While working on a business project, I once came across corporate lawyers in dubai while researching how companies handle important legal matters. It reminded me that good results often come from balancing different elements carefully, much like this recipe.
ReplyDelete