Paletas, A Wonderful Summertime Treat

I can't believe it was 2 years ago that I shared this recipe for Strawberry Paletas. Paletas are Mexican Ice Pops. They are a wonderful summer treat. 

My nephew is always on the outlook for something fun and different to give me for Christmas. I have had so much fun with this book.

I absolutely love Hibiscus tea. You can find it in the tea section at your local supermarket, but it's also easy enough to make. I buy the dried flowers from a Mexican market. Soak them overnight and you'll have the most beautiful red liquid the next morning. You can serve it hot, or add ice and you'll have a very refreshing summertime drink. I like to add a little stevia and a slice of lemon.    

To make the tea, soak 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers in 4 cups of water. As I said, simply let them soak overnight. Easy!  

Another lovely Paleta is made with the hibiscus liquid/tea,
Hibiscus-Raspberry Paletas 

Ingredients;

2 cups of Hibiscus tea

2/3 cup of sugar

4 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries

Mix 1/3 cup of sugar with the hibiscus tea.

Pour 1/3 cup of sugar over the raspberries and allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until the raspberries begin to express liquid.

Combine the hibiscus tea with the raspberries and their liquid. 

Pour into molds or container of choice. Add popsicle sticks once the mixture has begun to set a bit. Allow to freeze for approximately 4 hours before serving.

For a fun dessert, pour the liquid in champagne glasses. Unmold before serving, but place them back in the glasses to serve. The pops will drip, so be sure to serve with a plate. 

If you can find a market that sells dried hibiscus flowers, I highly recommend giving the tea a try. And if you like the tea, you'll love the paletas with raspberries!