Things to Make - Strawberry & Balsamic Vinegar Popsicles

(As the above picture testifies, I have absolutely NO IDEA how to "style" a popsicle post. You can't exactly leave them on the table or on a plate. T thought Ninja Turtles would help, but I'm not exactly buying into his vision.)

I've wanted to make these popsicles since the beginning of strawberry season, but I worried that the balsamic vinegar would prove too sophisticated for the younger members of our family. I also worried that I would, in turn, eat 9 popsicles myself. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

My worries were, apparently, silly because the kids LOVED these. F kept saying, "they taste better than ever, but I can't tell why." When I explained that vinegar was my secret ingredient she said, "what's vinegar? can we have it more often?" So goes popsicle success, I love almost-summer.

STRAWBERRY & BALSAMIC VINEGAR POPSICLES (from my absolute favorite popsicle book - People's Pops: 55 Recipes for Ice Pops, Shave Ice, and Boozy Pops from Brooklyn's Coolest Pop Shop)

INGREDIENTS:
* 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled.
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (no need to get fancy, cheap balsamic works fine)

1. Make simple syrup by combining the sugar with 2/3 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Puree the strawberries in a blender.
3. Mix the strawberry puree with the lemon juice and 3/4 cup of simple syrup.
4. Add the balsamic vinegar to taste.
5. Freeze in an ice pop mold.
6. EAT!!

(this recipe makes about 9-10 pops)

(And don't forget to check out our other favorite popsicle recipe - Salted Apple Caramel Popsicles).