Strawberry Bailey's, Chaga and Coconut Popsicles

Summer is here and when the summer heat and humidity is in full swing, there is nothing more desirable than a cooling popsicle. But what can take those mundane popsicles to a whole new level or even why you should choose this popsicle recipe over the million of other ones out there? How about because these popsicles serves not only as a cooling device but it also pairs as an afternoon drankkkk. On top of that it’s also filled with positive nutrients for your body and mind. Here it is, all in one. Believe it or not, to have you enjoying one of your own is so simple an easy!

Now I am not about those meals that focus on simplifying a slightly more complicated dish, because in the end that process is there for a reason and, in my eyes, it should be enjoyed as much as the taste and sensual consumption of the dish itself. But! These popsicles contain 3 elements - a craving, a desired and a necessary - all in one, so I guess it is kind of simplifying life. Only a few key ingredients and these babies will be all yours.

We come back to my friends at Chaga Life because… their product is that clean, nutrient rich, naturally caffeinated and actually tasty. The liquid is, of course, brewed from the Chaga mushroom and bottled without any extra or unnecessary processing. On top of all these perks, by drinking Chaga Life you are also supporting and investing in a small farm and a single farmer located in Kirov, Siberia. On his block of land, he sources then ships directly to The Chaga Life factory in London where Tiffany (owner) and Ronnie (co-owner) brew then bottle the resulting liquid in it’s most concentrated form.

Chaga Life and the benefits of drinking Chaga liquid can be understood and read more about in my earlier posts on - here and here. These links show two others recipes (more available in the recipe tab) that use Chaga Life in their core (both sweet and savoury) which really shows how diverse and flexible this product can be. Adaptable is one thing, health benefits are another and how rare is it to have such an incredible range of health benefits tucked away in a delicious and cooling popsicle?

Using fresh, summer berries works perfectly when we are in the midst of summer but this can be easily changed based on what you have available/ the changing season (they are that good, a winter popsicle never hurt no one). The 10 strawberries comes to about a cup of produce, so measure what you use to this ratio.

To reduce the added sugar, you can also use brown or raw sugar instead of white sugar and the measurements will be the same, the resulting colour will just be darker. You can also use date syrup or maple syrup - 1/2 a cup of syrup and 1/4 cup of water). To get really creative, try elderflower cordial for a multi levelled flavour blast. To be honest, I kind of think it’s too much to add the elderflower component as it takes away from the 3 main flavours which should be placed at the forefront of your tasting.

Having that mid-afternoon or evening drink (actually whatever time drink it is) seems like a summer must and god knows we all want one and probably all need one too. The only hassle, which I am sure many of you share with me, is that most cocktails or even beers are never that cooling on a hot day no matter how iced or chilled they maybe. Here’s your answer.

This recipe really does offer that ever chased fresh summer feeling. Bringing together the best of both worlds - to have a drink and to refresh with an ice cold popsicle - What more is there to love in life?!

Strawberry Bailey’s, Chaga and Coconut Popsicles

Ingredients

Chaga Simple Syrup

• 1 cup Chaga Life

• 1 cup sugar 

Popsicles 

• 1 x 400gram tin coconut milk

• 3/4 cup Strawberry Bailey’s

• 2 tbsp honey 

• 1/2 cup Chaga Simple Syrup

• 10 fresh strawberries 

Method

Prepare the Chaga Syrup; In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and Chaga Life liquid on medium heat, stirring well every 30 seconds, until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until it has halved in size and become thicker (but do not over cook otherwise it will turn into toffee or caramel). Remove from the heat and leave to cook in a jar.

Make the Popsicle Fillings; Place the strawberries along with the cooled Chaga syrup in a blender and pulse until smooth. 

Whip the coconut milk, Bailey’s and honey together in a small bowl until honey has been incorporated. 

Assemble; In 6 popsicle moulds (can buy this on amazon), pour 3/4 of the way up with the coconut mixture. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry Chaga puree on top - they will not mix unless forced). 

Using a popsicle, gently swirl the strawberry puree into the coconut milk until you feel it looks best. Repeat until all 6 have been marbled*. Fit the lid on top then slide the popsicles through the holes.

Cook (haha, not!); Place in the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours or overnight. When you are ready to eat, take out of the fridge 5-8 minutes before so the popsicles can soften and easily be jiggled from the mould. 

Enjoy on a hot day with an iced Chaga Life for that extra nutritional snack.

Note; Do not leave the popsicles in - use only one single popsicle - as if you leave the sticks in, you cannot put the lid on.