Wondering how to make your pops even better? Find answers to common questions below. Learn how to use different ingredients and master the art of layering so your ice lollies turn out as tasty as they are refreshing.
Poached pear
|
600 g |
---|---|
Vanilla essence (optional)
|
1 tsp |
Berry mix (or fruit of your choice)
|
1 handful |
Granola
|
6 tbsp |
Honey
|
2 tbsp |
To make your ice lollies full of flavour, select ripe and juicy pears. This will bring out the natural sweetness and result in a smooth puree, perfect for your lollies. Check by pressing gently near the stem; the pear should give a little. Don’t be afraid of using slightly overripe pears as their extra sweetness makes them perfect for blending into the mix.
Avoid very firm pears, as they might not blend well and could make the texture gritty. On the other end of the scale, also avoid very overripe pears as they can brown quickly, affecting the vibrant colour of your ice lollies.
Store your pear ice lollies in an airtight container or wrap them well to keep air out. They will stay fresh for up to two months in the freezer. This ensures you can enjoy their flavour and texture long after you make them.
For best freshness, mark the date you made them on the container. When you feel like having one, just take out what you need and put the rest back in the freezer right away. This keeps them tasting great and avoids freezer burn, so your treats are always ready for a refreshing break.
Adding aromatic spices to your pear poaching liquid is an easy way to boost flavour. Simmer the pears with cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom to infuse them with warm, rich aromas that enhance the taste.
Choose your spices carefully to match the pear's subtle flavour. Cinnamon brings a comforting warmth, star anise adds a liquorice depth, and cardamom offers a refreshing zing. Add these spices to the poaching liquid and let them simmer to extract their oils and blend with the fruit's flavour. Remove the spices before blending the pears to keep the lolly texture smooth.
If you like to try new things, infuse the liquid with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a bit of citrus peel for a tangy kick. Balance the spice intensity to keep the pear flavours in harmony. With practice, you can infuse your ice lollies with gourmet flavours that offer a refreshing and memorable taste.
If you prefer to swap out honey in this recipe, there are several sweet alternatives to consider. Agave nectar offers a similar sweetness and consistency to honey, making it a popular option. Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy skyr. You can also use date syrup or coconut nectar, both of which will add a distinct flavour profile to your snack. No matter which substitutes you choose, it will provide the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy skyr.
Scaling up this recipe for larger gatherings is a breeze with a few adjustments. Firstly, increase the quantities of all ingredients proportionally based on the number of people you're expecting. For example, the original recipe serves eight so if you're expecting twenty guests, multiply all ingredients by 2.5.
Consider using an electric blender or food processor for smoother mixing when dealing with larger batches. To streamline the process, prepare the mixture ahead of time and pour it into ice lolly moulds, then freeze overnight. This not only saves time on the day but also ensures your pear ice lollies are perfectly frozen and ready to impress with their creamy texture and refreshing flavour.
Transforming leftover pear ice lollies into new snacks is a creative way to enjoy these delicious treats in different ways. One idea is to repurpose the mixture into smoothie bowls by blending it with additional fruits like berries or bananas until smooth, then topping with granola, sliced fruits and a drizzle of honey or nut butter.
Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them to make skyr ice cubes. These can be added to smoothies for a quick and creamy twist. With a little creativity, your leftover ice lolly mixture can be transformed into a variety of delicious snacks to enjoy throughout the week.