Red Bean Popsicles

With the sun peeking outside more and more often this past month, it's starting to feel a little more like Summer days to come! This beautiful weather has almost, just almost made me feel like COVID-19 hadn't taken the world by storm which was nice for a change, but just because the weather is nice, definitely continue to social distance, keep up with good hygiene, and #stayathome when ya can! The spread is slowing all thanks to these measures and if we keep them up, we'll help us all!

Now back to this beautiful weather, popsicle & icecream cravings began to hit HARD, and I had around a half-can of sweet red bean left from make red bean & black sesame rolls in addition to cinnamon rolls (both using the same dough!)...so when two and two come together, BAM we have red bean popsicles!

These popsicles have a rich sweetness and earthiness from the red bean, a super popular flavor among Chinese desserts, almost as prevalent as vanilla & chocolate in traditional American desserts. The addition of the yogurt brings some more creaminess and the slightest tang to complement the sweet red bean, making for a refreshing yet slightly indulgent cold summer treat!

Here's how to make them:

*makes for 5 popsicles

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup sweet red beans (buying it pre-made & canned, available in most Chinese, Korean, and Asian grocery store, is definitely the easiest but you can opt to make it by hand)

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (alternatively you can use vanilla flavored if that's what you have!)

• 1 cup whole milk or milk alternative

• 2-3 Tbsp condensed milk (adjust to sweetness preference)

• Additional 1 Tbsp condensed milk (opt. for decoration)

• 2 Tbsp black sesame seeds (opt. for decoration)

METHOD

1. Reserve 2 Tbsp of red beans in a bowl and set aside.

2. Combine all ingredients, except for the additional condensed milk and black sesame seeds, in a blender and blend until smooth.

3. Spoon reserved red beans into the bottoms of the popsicle molds.

4. Optional step for decoration: Brush a thin layer of additional condensed milk on the inside edges of the popsicle molds and sprinkle with black sesame seeds to stick on the walls.

5. Pour the blended mix into the popsicle molds to distribute evenly.

6. Pop on the popsicle caps and freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely frozen.

7. Run the molds under warm water for 10 seconds to make sure you don't get the depressing feeling of only pulling out the popsicle stick without the popsicle.

8. Enjoy!