Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Popsicles

Whoever thought it’d be a good idea to cook fruit before freezing it… was a genius! These roasted strawberry popsicles kick it up a notch, especially with the addition of balsamic vinegar.

So much has happened since Tuesday! On Wednesday I went to the Columbest, a celebration of all the best things in Columbus as voted by Columbians (not to be confused with Colombians) held outside at the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory. There were all kinds of food samples from the best restaurants in various categories and I definitely started a little too strong and had to start sharing samples with friends or else I wouldve actually burst instead of just the threat. There was also some entertainment in the form of people on stilts dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters and real life Columbus zoo animals! I pet a penguin (so soft you would not believe), missed the sloth because I was too busy stuffing my face, and then pet a baby kangaroo (again so soft, like bunny soft).

Then Thursday night the gluttony continued as I met up with some of my fellow Columbus bloggers (Columbian bloggers if you will, I’m gonna make this a thing). We originally had our eyes (and stomachs) set on the new restaurant in town Balboa, but alas the wait was 1.5 hours. Thankfully the area we were in had tons of other options within walking distance and we hit up Third & Hollywood instead. Turns out some of them were actually at Columbest the night before as well and I had no idea. We need to work on this whole communication thing. But anywho we had a great meal, talked about all kinds of things, and was in general just a good ol’ hang out. Hopefully we can meet up more often a there are a ton of bloggers in this town, and not just food.

Which brings us to Friday! Once I finish that silly thing we call work, I’m off for a weekend back in my hometown. It’s always weird visiting the town in which I grew up, never feeling like I am actually home since my parents no longer live there and therefore am not returning to my old bedroom but instead acting as a quasi-visitor. But at the same time it’s been so long since I’ve actually lived there I basically am a stranger in my own hometown. But what does this rant have to do with popsicles? Nothing to be honest. After picking over $20 worth of strawberries last weekend, I’ve been making everything I can think of using strawberries and this is one of the ones that made the cut to be share with you fine people! Super easy and even more delicious.

One year ago: Apple, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Salad
Two years ago: Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

Three years ago: Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Five years ago: Pomegranate Stuffed Chocolate Covered Pretzels

ROASTED STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC POPSICLES

Makes 12 (depending on mold size)

Ingredients:

3 pints (6 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

6 Tbsp honey

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet a silicone baking mat or very lightly greased foil.
2. In a medium bowl, toss strawberries with honey and balsamic to coat. Arrange strawberries in an even layer on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
3. Puree the berries and their juices in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add Greek yogurt and pulse until combined. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Source: Adapted from my Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Ice Cream.