Strawberry Ice Pops with Wild Berry Balsamic

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup mixed wild berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for a vegan option)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a blender, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, water, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant puree.
2. Strain for Smoothness: Pass the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove seeds and achieve a silky texture.
3. Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the strained strawberry liquid into ice pop molds, filling each cavity almost to the top. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely solid.
4. Create the Wild Berry Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, mixed wild berries, and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken and the berries break down, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Cool the Glaze: Once the glaze reaches a syrupy consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken further.
6. Unmold the Ice Pops: To easily remove the ice pops from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. Gently pull the sticks to release the pops.
7. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the cooled wild berry balsamic glaze over the strawberry ice pops before serving. Enjoy immediately for a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dessert experience.