Let's blow this popsicle stand. or not.

Summers tend to feed trends. Several years ago, it was cupcakes. Literally everywhere. Popping up in restaurants, bakeries devoted to them, booths at farmers' markets.. you name it. From the looks of the food blogs this summer, a rising star is coming up in the distance from New Orleans, Tennessee, DC. Popsicles! Seriously, even the Washington Post has taken notice.

We're not talking about the Americana, sappy sweet, kid-friendly Bomb Pop either. I'm talking about those flavors you read and then think, "Really? That's a creative combo!" Like ginger-mango, cucumber-jalapeno, watermelon-black pepper, avocado, green tea, Tecate beer.. Curious, aren't you?

I decided to throw my hand in the mix with a few of my favorite flavors. Last month I picked up a thai basil plant from the Farmers' Market and have been waiting for just the right reason to pluck a few leaves. Give your own a try. You can pick up a mold from literally anywhere right now (Target, IKEA, Michael's crafts).

Basil Peach Frozen Pops

Ingredients:

few basil leaves

1/2 c sugar

1 c water

1 1/2 c peach puree / nectar

1 tbls lemon juice

3 tbls yogurt

In a small sauce pan bring water and sugar to a boil. Feel free to adjust the simple syrup ratio to suit how sweet you want your popsicles. Drop in basil leaves. Let boil for a couple of minutes. Cut the heat and fish out with a spoon your basil leaves. Let the syrup cool for a few minutes. Add the syrup to your peach puree (which I will admit was store bought. Check the juice aisle at the grocery store). Next add the lemon juice and yogurt. Stir to combine. I had trouble getting the yogurt to incorporate and not just float on top, so I used my immulsion blender. You're more than welcome to use a regular blender to combine everything. Then pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays with popsicle sticks. Use what's on hand. Freeze anywhere from several hours to overnight. Run under hot water for a minute, if you have trouble getting the molds to let go of your hard-earned homemade treat. Enjoy, Darlings.