The Summer of New Memories - Mango Lassi Popsicles

The kids went to a birthday party, one of only a few in over a year. I never thought it would be such an eye-opening experience. Poet and Flower spent most of last year, like all of us, missing friend's birthdays. It was a year of milestones missed. Milestones in their little lives that are usually marked celebrating with friends, birthday cake and presents. Instead, they enjoyed zoom parties or a passing Happy birthday wish.

What a lovely thing to be back among friends. All the parents chatted and stood by, watching with just a little wonder. The kids had spent the last year together in school, navigating an unfamiliar year with social distancing and wearing masks. It was a hot June evening with thunderstorms rumbling in the distance. This close-knit group of classmates finally were able to celebrate their friend.

We spent the evening at his family farm, a throwback to what seems like a bygone era. No laser tag or elaborate toys, just food, friends, and family. The kids cracked nuts with a giant nutcracker, putting all their weight into the lever to crack the hard shell and savor the insides. They ran around, swung off the deck on a rope swing, and skipped happily through the water sprinklers. We wandered through their garden filled with green onions, tomatoes, beets, and herbs. We stood there and marveled at how just a few short months ago, this would not have been possible.

The joys of childhood are simple. I had forgotten just how wonderful it is to be in the company of friends. And I had forgotten about how kids thrive in the company of their peers. They are not just playing but also learning how to navigate the world. I stood there talking about summer and watching the kids play. Their lost year hopefully is a distant memory.

Everyone enjoyed pizza, cake, and ice cream. The cool ice cream so refreshing on a summer evening. It made me think of mango lassis my mother would make as a kid. She would use mango pulp from India. It came in giant cans in the local Indian store. She would mix it with just a little yogurt and sugar. It's a classic Indian drink and a simple pleasure of summer. Mango lassi pops are a refreshing twist. I used honey instead of sugar to give it a little mellow sweetness. And I've often found mango pulp very sweet and sometimes cloying. I used fresh mango. If you don't have it on hand, frozen mango is an excellent substitute.

As we all watched the children play, I am looking forward to a summer of new memories.

Mango Lassi Popsicles

Summer in a pop. Mango, yogurt and honey make a cool and refreshing summer dessert. For an authentic mango lassi use fresh mangos. But frozen mango or mango puree also taste delicious. Heavy cream adds a little more richness to the popsicles.

Makes 8 pops

• 2 cups fresh mango (mango puree or frozen mango (about 3 fresh mangos))
• 1/4 cup yogurt (full fat)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• Pinch of salt

1. In a blender, puree the mango, yogurt, heavy cream, honey until smooth.
2. Place in a popsicle mold and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
3. To unmold, gently run the molds under hot water. Slide the pops out slowly. Enjoy!