Paletas de Tamarindo #SundaySupper #CincodeMayo


Before we get started on our Cinco de Mayo celebration, I want to take a moment to explain  my absence from the blog recently.  I know I haven't been hanging around here as much as we'd all like.  A lot of you have written in wondering where I've disappeared to.  I sincerely apologize for having disappeared without giving you any type of explanation.

The short and simple truth is that my suegro has been sick.  It's nothing deathly serious.  He suffers from severe depression and requires constant care.  My days have been spent looking after him, cooking for him, and making sure he takes his meds.  Little by little, he is getting better, even though he still has his bad days.  We've all had to make some adjustments, but I think we've finally settled into a routine.

So here I am ready to get back to doing what I love most...cooking & blogging.  And you know I can't resist a good fiesta, especially with my #SundaySupper amigos.

Today I'm sharing Paletas de Tamarindo.  They are a sweet, tangy, and super refreshing way to keep your cool at any fiesta.


Paletas de Tamarindo
(Tamarind Ice Pops)

Ingredients:
  • 8 to 10 oz. tamarind pods
  • 6 cups water 
  • 1-1/2 to 2 cups granulated sugar
Directions:
Peel the tamarind pods by removing the hard outer shell, the stems, and the strings.  If you have a hard time removing all that, don't worry, it'll all come lose once the tamarind has cooked.

In a medium saucepan, simmer the tamarind pods and the 6 cups of water for about 10 to 15 minutes.  This will soften the tamarind, making it easier to remove any shell, stems, or strings.  Using a potato masher, gently crush the tamarindo to break up the pulp.  Scoop out any seeds you see.  (I like to leave a few in there.)

Stir in the sugar; let tamarind juice cool to room temperature.

Pour the tamarind juice into plastic popsicle molds or small plastic cups.  (If using plastic cups, cover with aluminum foil and insert popsicle sticks in center of each foil-lined cup.  The aluminum foil helps to hold the popsicle sticks in place.)  Freeze for about 3 hours or until firm.  Enjoy!!!



For more festive recipes with a Mexican flair, be sure to check out what my #SundaySupper friends have cooked up!

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:

Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:

Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:

Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:

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