In the kitchen with Kelley: Raspberry pops

Trying to find a tasty treat these days without added sugars is almost impossible. And please don’t get me started on artificial sugars — I’d rather gain a few pounds than risk cancer or autoimmune disease. But with these raspberry pops you don’t have to do either…

In addition to these tasty treats being ice cold and the perfect hot-day refresher, raspberries are healthy. They help protect your brain and contain a generous 8 grams of fiber per cup. I’d choose my homemade Raspberry Pops over artificially sweetened, syrupy Otter Pops, King Cones and other unnatural desserts any day. And they pass the kid test too!

You can change up this simple recipe using your berry of choice — blueberry, strawberry, blackberry — the possibilities are only limited to what you’ll find at your farmer’s market — preferably — or the produce section at your grocery store.

But here’s why I’m partial to raspberry…

Raspberries are a potent cancer-fighter. And there’s a mountain of evidence to prove it. Studies conducted by researchers at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina found that red raspberries can kill cancer cells. And studies have shown that black raspberries can stop the growth of oral, esophageal, colon, breast and skin cancer.

Remember, organic is always best, especially when it comes to strawberries, which have just moved to the top of the Environmental Working Group’s dirty dozen list. In case you’re unfamiliar with EWG — that means strawberries farmed conventionally have been found to contain high levels of pesticides. That’s definitely not tasty!