Make Homemade Paletas, Escape Summer Heat
By Monica Avila
Well, if you all read the excessive heat warnings, you know that the weekend of June 20-30 in the Valley of the Sun is going to be hot, hot, hot! These torrid two days are going to be the best time to stay indoors and whip up a quick cool treat for the familia. What could be better than a cool paleta or agua fresca on a super hot day? Umm…nothing really unless it’s a treat you make all yourself. Last week you read about where to buy a handmade paleta treat, now check out how to make them yourself and make a heat escaping project and treat in your own kitchen!
With fresh ingredients, a freezer and a couple of ice-pop sticks, you can make this super hot weekend a breeze with this family friendly project. You’ll even get the kids to eat some healthy ingredients disguised as an ice-pop dessert!
So how do you go about getting started making your very own homemade paleta this weekend? Pick up a copy of Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas by Fany Gerson. The recipes in this book are so succulent and authentic that they will transport you straight to childhood and the very best summer treat you ever had. Celebrate tradition and make some new memories with your family…ohh and get out of the heat!
Paleta recipes
Here’s a sample of the yummy paleta recipes in Fany Gerson’s book.
Paletas de pay de Limón
Lime pie ice pops
Makes 8 to 10
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 large limes)
2 teaspoons lime zest
Pinch of salt
3 cups coarsely crushed Maria cookies, or graham crackers
Put the sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, lime juice, lime zest, and salt in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
If using conventional molds, divide the mixture among the molds, snap on the lid, and freeze until solid, about 5 hours. If using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (1½ to 2 hours), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid, 4 to 5 hours. If using an instant ice pop maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Spread the graham cracker pieces on a large plate. Unmold the paletas and press each side into the graham crackers, coating completely.
(Reprinted with permission from Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas by Fany Gerson, Copyright 2011. Photo Credits: Ed Anderson)
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