Chef Nige: Very Berry Creamy Elderberry Popsicles

Cooking with Medicinal Herbs That’s right, they’re creamy and triple berry! Okay, so life’s too short to pass up a possibly good pun. Besides, laughing reduces stress hormones, signals the brain to relax, and increases immune cells and antibodies (Harvard Health Neuroscience Institute Spring 2010 Vol. 16, No. 2 )! You know what else is too fun to pass up, and also increases immunity? Popsicles! Ha! You’re kidding me! Whaaa?? Popsicles that actually help you fight off colds and infection?! Yup! It’s a real thing! Read on! Berry Creamy Elderberry Popsicles I make these yummy power pops with fresh fruit, Elderberry syrup and creamy coconut milk infused with infection fighting plants to create a fun Summer, after school, or after work treat. They have our infection fighting favorite Elderberries, anti-oxidant strong Blueberries, and Vitamin C packed Strawberries. Raw honey helps the body build resistance to late summer allergies, as well as providing a sweetener more desirable than sugar. Coconut milk is packed with B vitamins, Magnesium and Iron, to also help boost immunity. These creamy pops will leave you and the kids feeling refreshed, satisfied and strong enough to play in the sun or help mentally prepare for fall that’s right around the corner. Check out Vicky's article "Crafting Wellness" for a wonderful Elderberry syrup recipe or if you have a favorite Elderberry syrup already on-hand, this recipe is even more chilled out… Ingredients: 1 can of coconut milk 3 tablespoons Elderberry syrup (see recipe that follows) ½ cup strawberries ½ cup blueberries Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) Method: Place berries in bowl and mash to desired consistency (I like to mash them a little bit, breaking them down but leaving some nice big chunks). Set aside. Pour coconut milk and lemon juice into a large bowl. Whisk in the Elderberry syrup until combined. Add berries into this mixture and give it all a good stir. Pour completed mixture into Popsicle molds and allow to freeze overnight or at least 4 hours Enjoy frozen, but don't get a brain freeze! Have a cool summer! B-)