Blueberry and Chia Mermaid Pops

This long weekend is looking like a very warm one! The best way to keep cool is with my Blueberry and Chia Mermaid Pops. I created these after returning from a trip to New Zealand where we did a 6 day hike through the wilderness on the South Island and visited family on the North Island. In Mount Maunganui I found a gorgeous little organic store, called Be Organics. Here I found ‘Mermaid Latte’ powder created by a local Australian brand Nutra Organics. My mind immediately jumped to all of the beautiful, bright blue, summery goodness I could create with this superfood blend and I had to have it! Its colour comes from the matcha butterfly pea flower and blue spirulina and it also contains Ayurverdic chai spices, coconut milk and manuka honey for a delicious flavour! I have added chia seeds that turn part of the ice blocks to chia pudding, creating an extra thick and creamy texture as well as adding in some great plant protein and omega 3.

Makes 4-6 popsicles (dependent on size of moulds)

1 tin coconut cream/milk

1 large ripe banana

2 tbsp. raw honey/maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. mermaid latte powder (Nutra Organics)

2 tbsp. chia seeds

½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1. Place 1/3 cup of the coconut milk/cream into a small saucepan and gently heat over low heat for a few minutes. Once it has warmed, add the mermaid latte powder and whisk to combine. Set aside.

2. Add remaining coconut milk, banana, maple syrup and vanilla to a blender (all except the chia seeds & blueberries) and process until well combined.

3. Measure out 200mL of the blender mixture (roughly half) and add it to the small saucepan with the dissolved mermaid latte powder. Whisk to combine. Add the chia seeds and whisk again. Set aside for the chia seeds to swell and thicken the mixture.

4. Meanwhile, evenly distribute the rest of the blended coconut mixture between the popsicle moulds and distribute the blueberries between each one too. Place the moulds into the freezer for approximately 2 hours or until starting to become solid.

5. Remove the moulds from the freezer and add the blue chia seed mixture on top of the frozen layer. Add a popsicle stick to each one and return to the freezer for a further 2-3 hours or overnight. Enjoy the wholesome, creamy goodness!