The Summer List Update and Homemade Fudgesicles

Summer has been zipping right along here at Casa Kimba. I can hardly believe it’s the end of July! Didn’t summer seem to last forever when you were a kid?

We’ve been steadily crossing things off our 2011 Summer List. There’s been plenty of painting, gardening, reading, swimming and our gigantic 4th of July party. But I can’t take all of the credit for working through the list. A couple of sleepovers with the Grandmas meant a few things got checked off that I wasn’t involved in. Thanks Grandma!

This Summer List tradition has become so precious to our family because it forces us to be more deliberate with how we spend out time.

A couple of days ago, we decided it was time to cross off “make popsicles”. But I didn’t want to make any old popsicles. I wanted to make homemade fudgesicles. YUM! I saw this recipe on Smitten Kitchen back in June and knew it was exactly what we needed. These rich, creamy, cool and sweet treats did not disappoint!

Homemade Fudge Popsicles

Makes about 4 regular-sized popsicles (3 ounces) or about 5 in my tiny popsicle molds (which are 2 ounces each). I doubled the recipe and made 8 in the popsicle mold with extra to freeze in a little bowl for myself.

• 2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup (2 1/3 ounce) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (1/4 ounce) cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (1/4 ounce) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 tablespoon (1/4 ounce) unsalted butter

In a medium the bottom of a medium saucepan over very low heat, gently melt the chocolate chips, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, milk and salt and raise heat to medium. Cook mixture, stirring frequently until it thickens, anywhere between 5 minutes and 10 . Remove from heat, add vanilla and butter and stir until combined.

Set aside to cool slightly then pour into popsicle molds. Freeze. If you’re using regular popsicle sticks (instead of the lids), freeze the mixture in the molds for 30 minutes then add the sticks.

One tip for you…

My tiny molds were perfect for these fudge popsicles. They’re very rich, so the 2 oz size was just enough. I won my popsicle molds playing bingo at the family reunion, but you can find a similar set here on Amazon for less than $6.

Have you made a sweet summer treats? Definitely try these incredible fudgesicles. You won’t regret it. Although they may spoil you for the store-bought version.