Happy Summer Solstice! My nirvana from the upcoming soaring temperatures will be a brain freeze. The right tool to facilitate the rise into that realm will be Apricot Yogurt Popsicles. They’re refreshingly too cool. Plan to tell family, friends, and co-workers they’re completely healthy to prevent sharing these lovely pops. After all, such people who think fresh food from scratch is a waste of time shouldn’t be appeased. Let them be happy with a two-dollar hamburger.

These Apricot Yogurt Popsicles are pure bliss. It’s a simple mix of apricot puree, a little honey, and plain Chobani Yogurt. Pour the fruity yogurt mix into popsicle containers either store brought or d.i.y. with small glasses found around your home. Cover it. Put a stick in it. Wait a few hours for it to freeze solid. Cool down instantly with these refreshing treats. It’s that easy. What’s more, it’s super healthy, and it has less sugar than those store-brought brands. Since, it’s made with Chobani Yogurt, I’m thinking of more popsicle flavors to help keep my cool.

What’s the exciting news? This week, Chobani has featured MyLifeRunsOnFood.com as their featured Food Blogger. In addition, we’re celebrating these summery days by offering one winner a chance to win a carton of their choice of Chobani flavors. Imagine making popsicles with any fruit puree mixed with strawberry, pineapple, blueberry, raspberry, and more of Chobani’s yogurts. Want more yogurt recipes? Click here. Wanna know how to win? Leave a comment below describing your favorite yogurt recipe. It’s that simple. Use your creative food mind, for Chobani is picking their favorite idea.*

+++ PLEASE NOTE: The Contest is closed +++

You may want to keep your blissful Apricot Yogurt Popsicles to yourself, but share this contest with everyone. Friends. Family. Strangers. May your summer be a nirvana of brain freezes from popsicles. Stay cool.

+++ PLEASE NOTE: The Contest is closed +++

*A Taste of Chobani Contest Details:
– Contest starts today, Thursday, June 23, 2011 and ends Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 12 a.m./EST. Winner announced Tuesday, July 12, 2011.
– Only one winner will be chosen by a representative of Chobani Yogurt.
– Contest open to residents of the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. U.S. foreign territories are excluded.
– Prize package includes one free case of any combination of Chobani Yogurt flavors chosen by one winner. No additional purchase or shipping expenses are necessary. Prize cannot be exchanged.
– Must provide an email used only to notify the winner. Upon notification, winner must provide mailing address with their choice of Chobani Yogurt flavors.

Apricot Yogurt Popsicles

Ingredients
2-1/4 cups apricot puree (Recipe below)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup Chobani whole or 2% yogurt (alternatively, use no sweetener in the Apricot puree and use Chobani Honey flavored yogurt)
(An optional delight) 1/4-cup organic fresh & heavy cream

Directions
1. Whisk all ingredients together to make the apricot-yogurt mix.
2. Pour apricot-yogurt mix into individual popsicle containers. Fill container to about 1/4-inch from the top, leaving room for the popsicle mix to expand as it freezes.
3. Cover each popsicle container with a plastic wrap. Use a rubber ban to tighten the wrap. Puncture a small hole for the popsicle stick. Place a popsicle stick through the hole. Place popsicles in the freezer to chill until solid.
4. When popsicles are frozen, run warm water over the container to loosen from the mold. DO NOT use boiling water, especially with glass containers, for the glass could break.
5. Enjoy!

Apricot Puree

Ingredients (About 3-1/4 cups)
2 lbs. Apricots
2 tbsp. to 1/4-cup honey (amount depends on the sweetness of the fruit and personal taste)*

Directions
1. Place apricots in a large pot of boiling water for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the skin begins to peel. Remove from the water and let cool enough to handle (place in the refrigerator to cool faster). Cut into the apricots to discard the seed and stem.
2. Place apricots and honey in a food processor to puree until smooth.
3. Set aside.

*Use any type of sweetener, but adjust amount according to a personal taste.

…
Stay up-to-date with yummy, new food posts from My Life Runs On Food via email. Subscribe today!