Las Paletas Inspired Lemon Basil Popsicles

My biggest regret over the last year (bold statement I realize) is that I've missed out on countless excursions to a little slice of frozen heaven here in Nashville.  You see, my husband and I moved here a little over a year ago, and since arriving in the south we've been cornered several times by emphatic patrons of a local popsicle shop named Las Paletas.  Personally, I'm more of a “fro-yo” girl, so the whole popsicle phenomenon that made otherwise-normal people into stick-carrying apostles of frozen ice and cream, had not really spiked my curiosity…that’s until someone took a popsicle out of their mouth long enough to explain the flavor they had just purchased…"Chocolate-Wasabi."

Popsicles are usually too sugary and contain neon colors that frighten me, and it’s not that I need my frozen treats to be sophisticated, but how good can frozen juice on a stick be?  Las Paletas is located in the super cute, up and coming neighborhood of 12 South, tucked between Burger Up (a new sit-down that serves grass-fed beef, lamb and quinoa black bean burgers) and the GreenLight Market and Deli (an exact replica of my future dream business) that offers local organic produce and specialty items from local artisans.  If my husband finds me missing one day, he should probably start looking (he better start looking) in 12 South, because I've probably moved into the building that houses my 3 favorite new eateries.

Las Paletas serves only popsicles…but what they do, they do very well.  They have cream and fruit based selections that change on a daily basis depending on what's in season (probably my favorite part!) and the flavor combos are brilliant...Mango-Chili Pepper, Blackberry-Lime, Tamarind with Chili, Hot Chocolate with Peppers, Hibiscus, Strawberry-Coconut and my personal favorite, Basil!  Well, it was Basil until I tasted Rose Petal this week.  Yes, Rose Petal.  AND, the owners told us that come fall, they carry Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Paletas.  I'm a sucker for anything that is reminiscent of a season, so I guess it’s fairly obvious what my current obsession is...

It's in these moments of pure joy that I find inspiration.  I've been insisting on eating popsicles every night, and recently attempted my own healthier version of a Basil Paleta.  I used a killer popsicle mold made by Zoku that is perfect for instant gratification.  You simply freeze the Zoku mold for 24 hours, pour in your desired liquid and the popsicles will be frozen and ready to eat in 7 minutes flat.  Nothing short of perfection for a hot summer evening!

Lemon Basil Paletas

makes about 6 popsicles

1/3 cup agave nectar

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup water

3/4 cup plain yogurt (whole fat retains all the good cultures and enzymes)

1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves

In a small sauce pan, combine agave, water and lemon juice over medium heat.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmering for 5 minutes.  Remove from pan and let cool, about 20 minutes.

In a blender, combine yogurt, basil, simple syrup and blend until smooth.  Taste and add milk if too sweet.  Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until ready.  Enjoy!

P.S...please beware of chopped basil getting completely stuck in your chompers...it's a horrifying sight, and slightly embarrassing if you run into friends without realizing your smile has turned dark green.