watermelon popsicles with mint, basil & lime

we went to a wonderful barbecue this weekend, (thank you bonnie & bo), and i was asked to bring dessert...for 16 people.  i made a caramel apple pie and a peach tea cake and ensured i had plenty of vanilla ice cream.  the desserts were made with fresh, organic fruit, white whole wheat flour, coconut sugar and the best quality organic butter and eggs.  even though i kept telling myself they were "good for me" and "healthy", i still couldn't quite get rid of that annoying little voice in the back of my mind saying "excess calories diane, excess calories".  i really loathe that voice!

the only way i can enjoy treats like the ones mentioned above (without feeling guilty) is to balance the occasional indulgence with light, healthy and low calorie desserts the rest of the time.  but i am not talking "diet" items.  naturally sweet, full of whole grain and healthy fat options are more my style.  the watermelon popsicles are a perfect example.  they are made with fresh watermelon, herbs and lime juice...nothing else.  you will be surprised at how naturally sweet they are.  and i love the combination of sweet mint and earthy basil.  this dessert...served on a hot summer day...will satisfy any sweet tooth.

i make them in popsicle molds or ice cube trays.  the cubes (or pops) are nice added to cold drinks or piled up in a bowl and eaten with your hands or a fork.  or you can let the tray freeze for 30 minutes and then stick in a popsicle stick for mini-pops.  these make terrific appetizers. (for an adult appetizer, try adding some vodka or tequila to the recipe...delicious)  enjoy!

watermelon popsicles with mint, basil & lime
(makes 8 popsicles or 1 ice cube tray)

3 cups cubed watermelon
2 tbsp mint leaves, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp basil leaves, coarsely chopped
juice from 1/2 a lime
pinch salt

combine all ingredients in blender.  blend at highest speed until liquefied.  pour into popsicle molds or ice cube tray and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.  serve

other watermelon recipes you may enjoy:
mixed melon smoothie
sweet corn and watermelon salad

it is "watermelon" week at food network's summerfest roundup. check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends. have a favorite watermelon recipe?  share in the comments section and/or link to your blog if you have one:
Dishing: Watermelon Agua Fresca
The Sensitive Epicure: Watermelon with Feta, Mint, Olive Oil and Sea Salt
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Watermelon Popsicles with Mint, Basil and Lime
Red or Green: Spicy Watermelon Salad with Grilled Mahi Mahi
Weelicious: Watermelon Cinnamon Granita
Taste With The Eyes: Watermelon Carpaccio, Blistered Shishito, Mitsuba and Lime
Dishin & Dishes: Summer Mixed Melon Nachos with Mascarpone Cream 
Domesticate Me: Sparkling Watermelon Punch & Bowl 
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Sweet and Salty Greek Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Watermelon Vodka Rickey
Devour: Savory Watermelon Recipes
FN Dish: Cool Watermelon Drinks
Made by Michelle: Watermelon Basil Lemonade

best,

diane
napa farmhouse 1885
red or green?
california girl in taos
please follow me on facebook



i have started sharing my taos experiences on my newest blog"california girl in taos". please visit and let me know what you think.