Summer Treats: Blackberry Pie, Watermelon Mint Popsicles

By Camilla Garrison

During the hot, humid days of the summer, its nice to cool off with a swim, a shower, tub or cold treat. An ice cream cone is an all-time winner but a sweet from your own fridge or freezer really does the trick. Try these delicious recipes for icy watermelon mint popsicles and a nice dessert after your hamburger/hot dog dinner: blackberry pie.

Watermelon Mint Popsicles

(makes 8)

INGREDIENTS:

• About a quarter of a big Watermelon

• Handful of Mint

• Splash of Lemon Juice

• Splash of Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare watermelon by chopping into small bits and freeze on a plate.

2. Puree watermelon in a blender, add lemon juice and simple syrup to taste.

3. Mix thoroughly and blend in mint leaves.

4. Carefully pour mixture into popsicle mold, add sticks and freeze.

5. Once frozen, run under hot water to release the popsicle from the mold and enjoy!

Blackberry Pie

(makes 2 pies)

INGREDIENTS:

• Many freshly picked blackberries

• A big lemon

• A heaping spoonful of sugar

• A heaping spoonful of flour

• 4 frozen pie crusts (prepared already or store bought)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Soak blackberries to remove dust, spiders, ants, etc.

2. Dry blackberries on a less than desired dish towel and thaw pie crusts.

3. Fill 2 crusts.

4. Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle with sugar and flour.

5. Turn over the remaining crusts and seal.

6. Poke holes in the top to any design you wish.

7. Bake at. until brown, tent with tinfoil until bubbles appear.

8. Let cool and enjoy!