Paletas de Jamaica y Limón {She Made/Ella Hace}


We're only two weeks in, but I am really loving summer vacation.  Sleeping in until 8am, hanging out all day with my 4 favorite people in the world (my kiddies), and spending time with visiting friends & relatives from the US...It really doesn't get much better!  Mid-morning, the kiddies and I walk downtown to do our grocery shopping for the day.  Once we're done, we sit in El Jardin (the town square/plaza) to do a little people watching.  Sometimes, when it's really hot, we'll stop at the paleteria (ice cream & popsicle shop) for agua fresca, ice cream and/or paletas (ice pops) to help us keep our cool.

In the afternoons, I'll sit out on the sidewalk enjoying the cool afternoon breeze while watching the kiddies play with all the neighborhood kids.   Again, when it's really hot, we'll buy an icy cool treat from whoever stops by first: the ice cream truck or the paletero (popsicle vendor).  But sometimes when it's too hot to walk the two blocks to the nearest paleteria and we don't even feel like venturing out to our sidewalk, the kiddies and I head into the kitchen to make our own paletas.  And that's just what Girlichef and I are making for this month's installment of She Made / Ella Hace.

Our favorite paletas to make this summer have been these Paletas de Jamaica y Limón (Hibiscus Flower & Lime Ice Pops).  The subtle floral taste and aroma from the dried hibiscus flowers combined with the tartness of the lime juice make for one tart and refreshing paleta.  And the color is just stunning.   



Paletas de Jamaica y Limón (Hibiscus Flower & Lime Ice Pops) 
(Recipe adapted from Mexican Everyday by Rick Bayless)

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar; mix together until the sugar has completely dissolved.  Cook the dried hibiscus flowers in the sugar water over medium-low heat until  .  Let cool to room temperature.  Stir in lime juice.  Pour into paleta molds or small plastic/paper cups.  Let freeze for about 35 to 40 minutes before inserting sticks.  (Or if you're using plastic cups and are afraid you'll forget to insert the sticks, cover the plastic cups with a small piece of aluminum foil.  Pierce the center just barely with the tip of a knife.  Insert popsicle sticks or plastic spoons.)  



Freeze for 3 hours or overnight.  Enjoy!!! 



Now go visit Girlichef's blog to check out her recipe for Paletas de Crema y Cereza con Tequila (Sour Cream, Cherry & Tequila Ice Pops)!  



If you're looking for more paleta recipes or have a popsicle recipe you would like to share, Girlichef is hosting The Summer of the Popsicle 2012.  Visit her blog for more details. 


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Also sharing this post with:

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The Summer of the Popsicle 2012

The Summer of the Popsicle 2012 at girlichef.comRick Bayless @IHCC button rounded



24 comments

  1. Now THAT is what I'm talking about! I love paletas made with jamaica...but I haven't made any this year yet!? I want to reach in and grab one of yours. That first photo is amazing! Always a pleasure hanging out en la cocina with you, mi amiga.

    p.s...love your new header, too.

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  2. Te quedaron preciosas esas paletas! la verdad que tengo mucha curiosidad e probar la jamaica! me imagino que es rica y muy refrescante, pero no creo que la pueda conseguir en Puerto Rico :(

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  3. Jamaica isn't one of my favorite flavors but I would definitely give these a try. They look refreshing!

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  4. Me encantan las paletas y la combinación suena deliciosa!

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  5. You should write a book just on the variety of paletas in Mexico--or with Mexican flavors. These look wonderful and refreshing!

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  6. Deben ser super refrescantes y ademas esos ingredientes son deliciosos. Seguro que las hago y muy pronto, a mi familia le van a encantar. Gracias por la receta!

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  7. I love hibiscus! I'm going to have to give these a try

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  8. I actually just tried hibiscus a few days ago and it tastes great. I can imagine it is even better with lemon. These look great!

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  9. te quedaron muy lindas! que ricooo !

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  10. Amo la jamaica! QUe rico! COn este caloron!

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  11. These pops are super way I make too! We make limber" in puerto Rico. Wi try to make these. Love their color too.

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  12. Se ven super refrescantes! Y faciles de hacer :) Thanks for sharing your recipe Leslie
    Helena la de PinkGuayoyo

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  13. Beautiful - what a great colour!

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  14. Looks so good! This would be welcome anytime in my house!

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  15. I love the flavor of jamaica and I know I would love these paletas. So glad to hear you're enjoying your summer. It goes fast. My kiddos are going back in one week. Yikes!

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  16. I had something like this once, my mouth was red all night... nice trick with the foil and very beautiful photos... have a great weekend

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  17. Beautiful! Love that deep color.

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  18. These look wonderful. I've never tried making ice pops, but I really want to give them a go now. Wonder if I can find some dried hibiscus flower here - that colour is stunning.

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  19. perfect summer treat! I will def. be making these back in jersey! Reminds me so much of my childhood!

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  20. Awesome, perfect for the crazy hot weather here in Cali right now :)

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  21. This post was a walk down memory lane for me, reminding me of when I lived in Mexico and bought hibiscus flowers at the mercado to make my agua de jamaica. BRAVA for a witty, warm, delicious, and original recipe!

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  22. I have been wanting to make these--the color is so enticing. ;-)

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