Cherry Yogurt Popsicles

The cherry capital of the world is in Northern Michigan, right by our family summer cottage. Traverse City and the Grand Traverse region harvest many wonderful delights in addition to all those cherries: breathtaking ocean-like sandy dunes, quaint lighthouses, sunlight until nearly 10 pm, petosky stones, birch trees, ideal swimming water, the list goes on and on. 

While I am unable to spend the extended time there my brother does (note to self: be a teacher in my next life!!), it's a true gem of a place that I'm lucky to visit every other summer. 

Today, like every Fourth of July, my family is hosting a party. It's one of those great traditions that has been happening for decades, on the exact same deck, with the exact same families. Here is their view:

We will especially miss the party this year, since we'd love to introduce our newest family member.  This post and recipe is in honor of the family BBQ and Northern Michigan. A shout-out to Crystal Lake and all those wonderful Cherries...

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!!

Cherry Yogurt Popsicles
Ingredients
(makes six 3oz Popsicles) 

• 1 cup of pitted fresh cherries 
• 12 oz of low fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agave syrup*
• 2 tablespoons of water

      *If you want a sweet popsicle, add more agave after taste testing the mixture

Directions 

• In a food processor or blender, puree the cherries and honey.  Optional: Remove 3 tablespoons of the mixture into a cup.
• Add the yogurt, agave and water, then puree until blended. Adjust sweetness to your taste, I prefer a tart popsicle.
• Fill the popsicle containers half way with the cherry yogurt mixture. 
• Optional: Spoon in 1/2 tablespoon of the reserve cherry/honey mixture per popsicle to add a few dense cherry red bites of color.
• Top with the remaining cherry yogurt mix, insert the sticks and freeze for at least 3 hours.