The Yellow Apron Experiment: Red, White, (well sort-of white) and Blueberry refreshers

The cross from Rapinoe... Wambach get's a head on it and it's a GOOOAAALLL. The US has scored in the 122nd minute of the match which will take them to penalty kick!!! All this and to be on the anniversary of the '99 team winning the World Cup - Wow!

Oh wait, this isn't a sports blog...

Well in honor of the US Women's game today versus France, I've decided to write about Refreshing Red, White, (well sort-of white) and Blueberry treats! It's going to be a tough game today, and as spectators we need to stay cool and fully hydrated.

Let's start with the warm-up: Lemon-Mint Water.

This works great if you have a giant pitcher to fill up and to keep out. I love keeping this drink on my counter for two reasons: one, (and I guess the more important) I'm more likely to drink water during the day, and two, it's just so pretty. It almost makes the room feel fresher (if that's even possible).

This drink can really be tailored to each individuals needs. As you have probably noticed, I am a huge fan of mint, so I like a lot of mint leaves in the water. You can also do just mint water, or just lemon water. However, I have found that the lemons get pretty gross after 1 or 2 days. Keeping the top off the pitcher helps with that aspect.

1st Half: Blueberry-Coconut Slushi

I have found this slushi to be a nice little summer time treat, that's pretty low in calories (and seriously easy to make). Remember, we have a tough game today and can't leave the tv to run to 7-eleven for a sugary slushi filled with chemicals! So we shall make our own, au naturale of course.

Ingredients (for 1 drink):

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 container of coconut water

4-5 ice cubes

mint for garnish

Put all the ingredients (except for the mint) in the blender and mix to desired thickness. You can add more ice if you like more of a slush consistency, or less ice if you like more of a drink. Garnish with a mint to make it pretty!

Half-time: Run to the bathroom!!! We have had a lot of liquids so far with more to come...

2nd Half: Popsicle time

In preparation for the second half (sorry procrastinators, this one needs a few freeze hours) I made 3 types of popsicles. Originally I was hoping for red, white and blue popsicles... however they are more like dark purple, pink and maroon. Oh well, they are still a refreshing treat!

From left to right: Blueberry Popsicle, Raspberry/Greek Yogurt Popsicle, Blueberry/Vanilla Yogurt Popsicle
(Yes, those are rocket ship popsicle stick holders!)

Blueberry Popsicles:

**Warning*** Only eat these Blueberry Popsicles in the privacy of your own home where floss is available... trust me on this one!!

In a blender combine 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, a dash of lemon juice, and 1/4 of water. Add to a popsicle holder and freeze for about 4 hours.

Many recipes I read about making popsicles said to use a mesh to filter out the seeds. I choose not to do this, mainly because I didn't have a mesh. However I liked it with the seeds left in, it was almost like an exfoliant for your lips!

Raspberry/Greek Yogurt Popsicles

In a blender combine 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, 1 container of Chobani plain greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add to a popsicle stick holder and freeze for about 4 hours

Blueberry/Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles

In a blender combine 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup water. Then in a small bowl mix the blueberries with 1 container of Light and Fit Vanilla yogurt. Spoon into a popsicle stick holder and freeze for about 4 hours.