Berry Vegan Smoothie Popsicles for Kids

My daughter LOVES making and eating popsicles.  A variety of make-your-own popsicle molds are readily available on-line (try Amazon.com) or check your local department store.  Some are now made with silicon, which is wonderfully flexible, dishwasher-friendly, and easy to use.

The following recipe is very kid friendly because of its flexibility.  To include my daughter in the popsicle-making process, I simply gather all of the ingredients on the kitchen counter and then ask her to add each one to the blender.  As long as all the basic elements of the smoothie base are included, the popsicles turn out great!  Because of this, you can allow your child to add a little more of one thing or less of another (allowing them to use their own creativity and intuition), without worry that the recipe will "flop"!

Ingredients:

• Your favorite vegan milk:  sprouted rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc. (around 1/2 c.)
• Orange juice (around 1/2 c.) 
• Fresh or frozen banana (1-2) 
• Berries (1/4-1/2 c.) 
• Spinach (optional):  My daughter calls these "leaves" and always likes to add a couple, because she sees me add a ton to my smoothies daily!  Children are more sensitive to the bitter taste than adults, however, so she has learned to add just a few- to suit her taste. 

 Directions:  Blend until smooth.  Then, pour the smoothie into the popsicle molds, freeze, and serve when solid.