the RETURN of... The Summer of the Popsicle! #SummerOfThePopsicle

YES!

Due to popular demand, the Summer of the Popsicle is making its triumphant return!  I'm so excited to know that so many others love those icy cold treats on a stick as much as I do.  So many cool and delicious treats were shared last year, that I could not wait any longer to start filling up my freezer.  Are you ready to break out those different sizes and shapes of molds and fill them fruity, creamy, smooth, and/or chunky variations of taste and texture?

This year's Summer of the Popsicle will be much the same as last year - drop by and share your treats all summer long (via the linky at the bottom of this post), but I will also be adding some fabulous new features!

Every week or so, I will be having a guest-popsicler, if you will.  I love the thought of sharing the love by having a new person "holding the (popsicle) stick" each week!

I now declare the SUMMER OF THE POPSICLE 2 to be in full-swing!

Share your POPSICLES, PALETAS, ICE POPS, and other frozen treats on a stick:

• Add a link to your post (as many as you like) all "summer" long - now through the end of September 2013.
• New and old posts welcome.
• Feel free to share this post on social networks and/or your blog because one can never have too many popsicles (use this hashtag: #SummerOfThePopsicle).
• Link back to this post and/or grab a button and share the fun (not required to link up, but always appreciated).

<a href="http://www.girlichef.com/2013/05/SummerOfThePopsicleTheReturn.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Summer of the Popsicle 2" height="93" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8713304839_9201ef39d9_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>

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1. Cinco de Mayo Paletas/Strawberry, Coconut, Avocado	2. Sangrita Paletas	3. Nutella Yogurt Paletas	4. Paletas de Tamarindo	5. Peach-Vanilla Cream Pops
6. Lime Pie Popsicles	7. Caramel Mocha Coffee Ice Pops	8. Papaya-Coconut Paletas	9. Graham Cracker Cinnamon Paletas	10. Paletas de Arroz con Leche
11. Chocolate Covered Cherry Pops	12. Striped Juice Popsicles	13. Avocado-Lime Popsicles	14. Pineapple Cheesecake Popsicles!	15. Paletas de Fresas con Crema
16. Banana Cream Pie Paletas	17. Horchata Paletas w/ Fresh Fruit	18. Creamy MANGO KULFI- Flavored Frozen Indian Dessert	19. Parsley-Lemonade Ice Pops	20. Avocado Fudgesicles
21. Fruit n Buttermilk Ice Pops	22. Coconut Blueberry Pops	23. Watermelon and Tajín paletas	24. Peach-Coconut Paletas	25. 4th of July Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles
26. Double Rainbow Quick Pops	27. Strawberry Pineapple yogurt pops	28. 100+ Homemade Popsicles	29. Root Beer Float Popsicles	30. Fruit Yogurt Popsicles
31. (sorta-) Homemade Ice Cream Bars	32. Loco Pops Paletas & a taste of Carolina	33. Cheesecake Paletas	34. Creamsicle Strawberry Pops	35. Strawberry-Mint Popsicle
36. Banana Fudge Bomb Pops	37. Paletas de aguacate	38. Cherry Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles	39. Strawberry Banana Buttermilk Ice Pop Recipe	40. Mangp-Chai Yogurt Pops
41. Chocolaty Banana, Coconut, Almond and Seeds Popsicle	42. Coconut-Chai Fudge Pops	43. Creamy Rosewater-Cardamom Chuski w/ Almonds	44. Mocha Almond Fudgsicles	45. Sweet Green Tea Paletas
46. Paletas de Canela	47. Grapefruit & Mint Boozesicles	48. Cherry Mojito Ice Pops	49. Blueberry Sweet Tea Pops	50. White Russian Pudding Pops
51. Rose Petal Almond Ice Pops	52. Cinnamon Mocha Pops	53. Carrot Watermelon Pupsicles	54. Triple Berry Ice Pops	55. Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles
56. Mangonada Zokuletas	57. Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles	58. Plum Ice Cream - Gelato alle Prugne	59. Strawberry Cheesecake Pops	60. Watermelon prickly pear paletas
61. Rompope Pops	62. Peanut Butter & Roasted Grape Jelly Popsicles	63. Thai Iced Tea Popsicles	64. Pumpkin Pie Pops	65. Biscoff Milkshake Pops

Who's Holding the Stick:

• 5/29: Paula from Vintage Kitchen Notes - Graham Cracker Cinnamon Paletas
• 6/5:   Sue from The view from Great Island - Striped Juice Popsicles
• 6/12: Vianney from Sweet Life - Paletas de Fresas con Crema
• 6/19:  Deb from Kahakai Kitchen - Parsley-Lemonade Ice Pops
• 6/26:  Yvette from Muy Bueno Cookbook - Peach-Coconut Paletas
• 7/3:    Leslie from La Cocina de Leslie - Cheesecake Paletas
• 7/10:  Bea from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen - Strawberry-Mint Popsicle
• 7/17:  Kim from Stirring the Pot - Banana Fudge Bomb Pops
• 7/24:  Mark from Javelin Warrior's Cookin w/ Luv - Cherry Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
• 7/31:  Faith from An Edible Mosaic - Mocha Almond Fudgsicles
• 8/7:    Brandy from Nutmeg Nanny - Grapefruit & Mint Boozesicles
• 8/14:  Pam from Blueberries and Blessings - Blueberry Sweet Tea Pops
• 8/21:  Alyssa from Everyday Maven - Triple Berry Ice Pops
• 8/28:  Mary from Barefeet In The Kitchen - Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles
• 9/4:    Jennie from The Messy Baker - Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles
• 9/18:  Ericka from Nibbles & Feasts - Rompope Pops

I'll also be sharing all of the submissions to the #SummerOfThePopsicle Pinterest board, on my facebook page, on G+, on twitter, and anywhere else I can think of...feel free to do the same using hashtag #SummerOfThePopsicle.

Brioche French Toast #FrenchFlavorFlair from @IHOP {win a $25 gift card}

 Have you seen the commercials?  Do they make you hungry?  Well, that is EXACTLY what they kept doing to me!  So, when I had the opportunity to load the kids into the car and head over for breakfast with a little #FrenchFlavorFlair, I didn't waste any time.  Seriously, I didn't...just ask the hubs who was at work and missed out because my impatience won out.

The hardest decision was choosing between the three different, limited-edition varieties of thick, tempting Brioche French Toast on the menu.  Berry-Berry Brioche.  Peaches and Cream Brioche!  Bananas Foster Brioche!?!  What's a girl to do?  I closed my eyes, spun the menu around, and chose the one that my finger landed on.  The only logical way to pick, of course.

Bananas Foster Brioche French Toast, it was.  With a side of bacon, because that's the way I roll.  How was it, you ask?  Fat, tender bread...lightly sweet vanilla batter...bananas in a buttery brown sugar glaze...ummmmmm - hello!  It was delicious.  And all the kids clamored over it (I told them they should have ordered it for themselves.  Mother knows best.)

So, whaddaya think?  Do you want to try it for yourself?  Maybe you'll go for the Berry-Berry or the Peaches and Cream, it matters not.  You know you want to get in on the #FrenchFlavorFlair action!  Well, I've got a little gift card (digital, so you can go the same day you win) action to help you do just that.

GIVEAWAY (this giveaway has ended)

what: $25 digital gift card to IHOP Restaurant
the fine print: The only restrictions to this giveaway are the presence (or lack of one) in your area.  If you can get there, you can enter.  Please be sure to enter a valid email address so that I can contact you and get you the gift code if you are the winner.  Submissions are due by May 10, 2013 at 11:59 pm (ET).  Winner will be chosen via random draw from all eligible entries.

how to enter

REQUIRED:

• Leave a comment on this post letting me know which of the three flavors of IHOP's limited edition Brioche French Toast you'd most like to try: Berry-Berry, Bananas Foster, or Peaches & Cream

EXTRA ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

• share this giveaway on any social network - easy share options at bottom of post (leave me a link to the share in your comment)
• follow IHOP on twitter
• like IHOP on facebook
• follow/like girlichef on any social network or reader (leave username/handle in comment)

GOOD LUCK!

update 5/11/13: Congrats to the winner of the giveaway, Kesha!  I sent an email your way!

I received a gift card to cover the cost of my meal at IHOP, but all thoughts and opinions stated in this post are 100% my own.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The gift code for the giveaway was also provided by IHOP.

Sangrita Paletas (Spiced Tomato-Tequila Ice Pops) for #CincoDeMayo

I know, I know.  I do.  I know for a fact that at least half of the people reading the title of this post are thinking "Eeeewwwww, tomato popsicles!".  I mean, I understand that are not your average ice pop.  When you're craving that icy cold concoction, I'm guessing the flavor that pops into your head first (or second...or fifth) is not tomato.  That's okay.

These pops are not for everybody.  And they're definitely not for kids.  The tequila is loud and proud, mixed right in there with the somewhat spicy tomato chaser mixer that is popular in Mexico, Sangrita.  I don't think this is something that you'll love unless you love Sangrita, or similar combinations like a Bloody Mary, a Bloody Maria, or maybe a Michelada.  You have to be a fan of tomato, plain and simple, to appreciate these paletas.

But I do think that they are a fun addition to any Cinco de Mayo celebration.  Offer them up amongst other fun flavors that you might associate with Mexico like Cajeta, Hibiscus w/ Mango, Mango & Chile, Spicy Pineapple or Creamy Coconut, Fresa (Strawberry) or another fruity ice pop...or maybe another tequila-infused paleta like these Sour Cream, Cherry, and Tequila Pops.  Or go with these beautiful bandera-looking Cinco de Mayo Paletas.  Just be sure to label the pops that have the alcohol in them, because little hands can't resist popsicles.

Enjoy your fiesta!

Sangrita Paletas (Tomato-Tequila Ice Pops)

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ time to freeze)

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: snack dessert tequila tomatoes Cinco de Mayo Mexican

Ingredients (8-10)

• 1 1/2 cups Pomì Strained Tomatoes
• scant 1/4 cup Piedra Azul Blanco Tequila
• 1/4 cup Agave Nectar (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons (non-vinegary) hot sauce (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• big pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust agave nectar and hot sauce, if needed (should be a good mix of spicy and lightly sweet).

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid - which will take a bit longer than your average popsicle, due to the addition of the alcohol (overnight is best) - adding the sticks at the proper time for your particular mold.

notes:

If it is the height of summer, and beautiful tomatoes are in season, puree some perfectly ripe ones, and substitute them for the boxed ones. Also, feel free to use your favorite brand of tequila.

inspired by and adapted from Paletas

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What foods are a must-have at your Cinco de Mayo (or other Mexican-inspired) fiestas? Oh, or what are your favorite flavors in a popsicle? (Keep those flavors in mind, because The Summer of the Popsicle will be making its return very soon!)

 Feel free to leave links or recipes to your favorites in the comments section.

Macarons from @SucreNewOrleans {win a box!}

The universe works in mysterious ways, wouldn't you agree?  Case in point: my macaron-making "trials".  How perfect is it that in midst of my first few attempts at making that elusive French cookie, after only trying one in my lifetime mind you, that I am offered the chance to receive a beautiful box filled with a variety of dainty little macarons from Sucré New Orleans?

I was meant to take a step back and try some mouthwatering flavor combinations such as Chocolate, Hazelnut, Almond, Pistachio, Bananas Foster, Strawberry, Pecan, and Salted Caramel.  The Bananas Foster and the strawberry are filled with airy creams (banana cream & rum and strawberry, respectively).  The others have these amazing mousseline fillings (sicilian pistachio, almond, semisweet chocolate, southern pecan, and caramel mousseline & fleu-de-sel, for example).

Since I am on a mission to make a batch of beautiful macarons with my own two hands, this box was like a little fairy tale to me.  I was finally able to see the delicate shells with their delicate feet and varying colors up close.  Tasting different flavor combinations and the almost-naked adornments that hint at that flavor hiding in each cookie.

And while I am newly inspired to head back into the kitchen and try making another batch, I'm not gonna lie, I'd be perfectly happy just receiving a box of these beauties every couple of months.  No frustration required on my part.

How 'bout you?  Would you like to receive a box like this one?  A box filled with a rainbow of macarons in luscious flavors?  Maybe you'd like to give it as a gift?  Well, if so, I've got a chance for you to do just that.

GIVEAWAY (this giveaway has ended)

This giveaway is open to those in the Continental US only.  You must follow the directions below for your entry to count.  Please be sure to enter a valid email address when commenting so that I am able to contact you if your name is drawn.  Winner will be chosen via random draw and given 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  All submissions are due by May 8, 2013 at 11:59 pm (ET).

Required:

• Leave a comment on this post that has something to do with macarons. It could be a failure or a success story.  It could be your favorite flavor or a flavor you'd love to try.  It could be a link to a macaron recipe or helpful hint post. If you've never tried a macaron, tell me that and perhaps a flavor of macaron from Sucre that you'd love to try.

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each one you do):

• follow Sucré on Twitter
• like Sucré on Facebook
• follow/like girlichef on any social network (links in sidebar - leave your username/handle in the comment)
• tweet about this giveaway (tag @girlichef and @SucreNewOrleans) and leave a link to that tweet in a comment (easily done by using the tweet button at the bottom of this post).
• share this giveaway on any other social network (also links at bottom of post, try to tag me, I'm @girlichef pretty much everywhere).

update 5/9/13: Congratulations to the winner, Jen at Juanita's Cocina!  I just shot you an email, enjoy the macarons!

Sucré provided me a box of macarons at no charge, and they are also supplying the macarons for this giveaway.  All opinions stated in this post are 100% my own.

Vegan Quinoa-Flax-Hemp Granola Bars w/ Walnuts & Apricots

Sometimes I hate to say a certain food or dish is "the best".  I mean, that is a very serious...a very personal...statement.  Sure, there have been moments after eating a particular dish that I've proclaimed it amazing, and possibly even thrown that two word phrase out there.  But again, my "the best" may not be your "the best".

All that useless blathering aside, I bet you can guess what I'm going to say about these granola bars.  It's true.  I'm gonna go ahead and slap that label smack-dab across this recipe in blinking neon lights:

THESE ARE THE BEST GRANOLA BARS THAT I HAVE EVER EATEN!

Bold statement, right?  But true.  Plus, they contain some really awesome, good-for-you ingredients like quinoa flakes, hemp hearts, flax seed, walnuts, and apricots.  Sweetened with maple syrup and a new favorite of mine, brown rice syrup.  Have you tried brown rice syrup?  It actually tastes like sweetened brown rice, and being a fan of that flavor, I was pleasantly surprised at my first taste.  The taste of brown rice doesn't carry over to the bars, though - that's just if you're tasting it in its original form.

These bars are crunchy at first, but after a couple of days stored in an airtight container, they turn into more of a chewy bar.  I couldn't decide which form I liked best.  These are a new snack/breakfast/dessert (that's right, I'd take them at any of those times) staple in my house.

Quinoa-Flax-Hemp Granola Bars w/ Walnuts & Apricots

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Keywords: bake breakfast dessert snack vegan apricots flax Quinoa hemp seeds bars

Ingredients (15 bars)

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa flakes
• 1/4 cups ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 1/2 tablespoons brown rice syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish (2-inch deep) with parchment paper that overhangs a bit on each edge (for easy removal of the bars later).

Stir all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until everything is combined well and there are no dry spots left. Dump it all into the lined pan and press it down evenly using a rubber spatula.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for ~30 minutes, or until the bars have started to turn golden brown on the top and are fairly firm. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Lift the sheet of parchment from the pan (using those overhanging edges you left) and set on a cutting board. Cut into rectangles (approximately 5 by 3 to get 15 bars - but you can do it however you like). Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

~adapted from It's All Good (Bummer Bars)

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