How do you put a smile on a youngster's face when it's over 90 degrees out and the lakes are too green to jump into to cool off? Leave it to Zoku. Zoku is the maker of the Zoku Single Quick Pop Maker which freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. The unit can make up to three pops before it needs to be refrozen and can quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops, or flavored core pops. To enjoy Quick Pops at a moment’s notice, simply store the compact base in your freezer. Zoku's Super Tool is specially designed to quickly release the frozen treats from their molds and can even be used easily by those smiling youngsters! The steps required for using the unit are as follows:
The Pros
I used the unit to make everything from healthy strawberry smoothie pops to my own version of pudding pops. Each time, filling the unit and removing the frozen pops was quick and easy. Making custom pops is now a favorite dessert treat option at my home. Rumor has it there are adult versions of pops yet to be enjoyed, but I've just stuck with kid-friendly options for now. I'm particularly impressed at how easy it is to remove the freezer pops with the Super Tool. Even the youngster can do it! I would, however, suggest parental supervision. Filling the molds is also best left to someone with a steady hand. The Zoku blog has a wide variety of recipes for fun pops that can be enjoyed at home in minutes.
The Cons
If you have a large family, the single pop at a time option might not suit you well. Zoku makes other units that make up to 3 pops at a time and 9 pops prior to requiring refreezing. If you have a freezer that is packed full, the Zoku freezing unit might be difficult to store in the freezer regularly, so making pops will require you to remember to put the freezing unit into the freezer at least 24 hours prior to making freezer pops. You also need to completely thaw the unit prior to washing, although a thorough washing isn't recommended after every use.
Resources
The Zoku Single Quick Pop Maker is available in a wide variety of colors on their website and retails for $24.95.
Putting It All To Work
Before we know it, fall will take hold and, soon after it, winter. But, for now, hot days are still holding on and it's really nice to know that there are products out there that can be cooling, entertaining, and even healthy for our kids. I might get around to experimenting with margarita pops for me and my husband, but this product gets my thumbs-up for putting a great, big smile on a wilted youngster's face during the dog days of summer.