“Khus Ice Candy (Popsicle)” … our childhood was all about enjoying small treats like ice candy during summer holidays that gave us immense joy … there were a handful varieties to chose from but the most favorite was bella candy and doodh candy … we have come far from those days and the simple ice candy is now referred to as Popsicle, paleta, ice lolly, icy pole, ice block, ice drop, ice gola etc. but people of my generation still fondly refer it as ice candy … sipping on to ice candy mid morning beats the heat to a small extent not to mention bringing back nostalgic childhood summer memories of pestering Amma to buy us some whenever the candy man came about ringing the bell ... tried this khus flavored Popsicle with sabja to beat the rising Mumbai heat … enjoy before it melts down … Yummilicious …
** Summer can be very tiring especially with the rising heat that is just not comfortable for outings. As we age our body resistance gets lowered and change in temperatures can be exhausting, even drenching off energy at times making us feel faint. With passing years, dietary changes are inevitable but ice candy can always be enjoyed, especially with family and friends, not to mention the option available now.
** Popsicle/ Ice Candy/ Ice Pops/ Frozen Candies need no introduction. All of us have enjoyed and relished them with our family/ friends during childhood. Now though a candy man is a rare sight, especially in a metro city like Mumbai, these are available in packets at every store in every vicinity, more so during summer. There are plenty of variations and flavors available in Ice Candies that you really do not know what to chose.
** Well, when you want to enjoy them on daily basis throughout summer to beat the heat you really need to try preparing them at home to cut down on cost, isn’t it. The exorbitant prices of ice cream/ candies not to mention quality is really scary. Why not prepare simple ice candies at home and avoid those calorie- laden ice creams to sometimes a month only, that way you can enjoy them without worrying, isn’t it.
** Ice Candy can be prepared with seasonal fruit juices or any flavored crush/ syrup that are easily available these days or just go ahead and try freezing the simple lemon juice, they all taste fantastic. Just don’t go overboard with addition of sugar to avoid health complications later on, just develop the taste for minimal sweetness and you will be thankful for the same in the long run, so try this one and enjoy the summer.
** here is how I prepared “Khus Ice Candy (Popsicle)” … simple and easy …
** Here I have used “Khus” syrup easily available in the stores. These days we get small 300 ml bottles of different flavors unlike before when most of the few flavors available were of 1 ltr. This means you can enjoy them in different flavors.
** Soak 2 tblsp of “Sabja” seeds in one glass of potable water at room temperature for 30 minutes ie until it soaks in well and gets swollen properly. (Do not use chilled water as the sabja will not absorb cold water well).
** In another glass of potable water add 3-4 tblsp of “Khus” syrup and mix well. Now add 3-4 glasses of water to it along with the water in which the sabja is soaked and mix well. Now pour them into molds (any that you have).
** Note : I made changes in proportions to suit my family needs for two reasons. First being that In my home we prefer dishes less sweetened and the second one is a common issue these days, yes, I wanted to avoid excess calories. However, children love sweeter versions, so you can increase/ decrease the syrup content as needed, it’s individual choice. Just sip a little bit and adjust accordingly.
** I always use my set of small steel glasses these days to prepare ice candies as I prefer them to plastic molds though I have used them before. However, you can use any molds you have or desire to prepare them in and store it in freezer overnight or for atleast 8-12 hours for proper setting.
** For freezing in steel glasses : You need to pour the prepared mixture into the glass and freeze for about 2- 3 hours till they are slightly set. This enables it to hold the wooden stick when inserted in standing position without slanting or falling. Once this is done then leave it undisturbed until the candies are well set and frozen, takes approximately 8-12 hours, but I kept it overnight, just check in between.
** Note : If you do not have time to check and insert the wooden stick later on, then cover each glass/ mold with a cling film/ aluminium foil and insert the stick from center, it stays intact. To be frank I neither buy cling film or aluminium foil, though I must be having those rolls stashed away somewhere as I hardly use them. I really do not prefer using them as I am not comfortable with it, hence follow my childhood method of allowing to set a few hours, then inserting stick, you may chose any method.
** Again, If using Popsicle mold then the above setting time of 2 hours is not needed, just pour into them and place its cap which holds the Popsicle stick intact. Place it in freezer and freeze till done and its ready to be served.
** Prepare and keep these well in advance to be served as and when desired, they remain good for 3-4 days. Just rinse the bottom part of glass under running water without allowing the water to touch the set candy for a second or two and you can easily remove the candies from the glass to be served. While serving place on a small plate or with the glass it is set in to catch any droplets while relishing.
** “Khus Ice Candy (Popsicle)” is done and ready to be served. Ice candy is best served during summer as that is when it is enjoyed the most. There is no age/ gender restrictions to relish any type of food especially when one’s heart desires to relish them, just go ahead and enjoy them with your family and friends, trust me even old aged love candy, my amma used to love it and I always prepared them for her whenever she came to stay over at my place, I miss you Amma; this one is for you.
** Just a little bit of caution to observe, If you come home from outside drained and hot from the outside heat, then do make yourself comfortable first for a good 30 mins. before having anything cold especially if they are chilled. This is to avoid sudden drop in temperature within the body which is best avoided. All said and done, do not worry much, enjoy life with these small pleasures that create memories in the long run.
** Here is a common link to all “Popsicle/ Ice Candy” recipes in the Blog, do try them out this summer and beat the heat ...…
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Thanks.