The sun has been shining for more than two days in a row, the temperature has remained in double figures …. It must mean summer is finally here.  What better way to celebrate than these yummy smoothie coconut Ice-Pops.  Any berries would work, but I am a huge fan of blackcurrants and they marry perfectly with baobab and spicy cardamom.  If possible grind your own fresh cardamom from some pods, it really is worth the extra effort.  I picked up these moulds at Flying Tiger for a couple of euros,  they are fairly small and can easily fit into the most compact of freezers.

This is my fourth collaboration recipe for PONA.  Their organic Baobab not only adds a great citrusy flavour to these icy treats, but it also helps thicken the smoothie element.   Baobab is packed with vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron and B vitamins, not to mention dietary fibre and when combined with blackcurrants, these ice-pops become a nutritional powerhouse. Remember you still have one week to use my exclusive baobab 20 % discount code VEGEBRIT at http://www.pona.fi/shop

Baobab, Blackcurrant, Cardamom, Coconut Ice-pops – makes 6 ice-pops (depending on the size of your moulds)

200 g frozen blackcurrants, defrosted

4 tbsp maple syrup

1 x super ripe banana

1/2 tsp cardamom

3 tsp baobab powder

a squeeze of lime juice

small carton of extra thick coconut milk

Place all the ingredients, except the coconut milk, into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  You are looking for a thickish smoothie consistency, but you can add a little extra water if necessary.

Now the fun part.  Spoon/ pour the smoothie mix into ice-pop moulds.  Top up with the coconut milk.  I like to alternate in layers and stir slightly to create a marbled effect.  However you can also simply freeze just the smoothie or make neater layers, it is totally up to you.

Place in the freezer and allow to freeze solid, preferably overnight.

To remove the ice-pops, dip the moulds in hot water for about  20 seconds and they should come out easily.